The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) is calling for stronger enforcement of laws which seeks to protect women against violence.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday by FOSDA to mark the end of the 16 days of activism, it commended state institutions such as the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVSU) of the Ghana Police Service and the Judiciary Services for efforts made to protect the rights of women.
FOSDA observed that women have suffered from different forms of violence and abuses owing to longstanding social and cultural practices. Women suffer gross human rights abuses such as denial of education, forced marriages, discriminatory practices, non- participation in decision and lack of access to health care and information among others.
FOSDA is therefore calling on the government and state institutions to put in deliberate measures and actions to fulfill their obligations to protect, promote and respect the rights of women. FOSDA recognizes the capacity and resource limitation of government but believes that Government can still do more to progressively realize the rights of women to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. It also encourages government to treat issues of violence against women with swiftness by enforcing the laws on violence against women.
The statement further encourages DOVSU and National Commission on Civic Education (NCCE) to collaborate with Civil Society Organizations (CSO?s) to educate girls and women on laws such as the Domestic Violence law and other domestic and international laws. It also entreats all and sundry especially men to treat women with dignity and respect.
The international women day of violence against women is brought to remembrance yearly on 25th November. The celebration seeks to echo the voice of women on the various forms of violence committed against them and to draw society attention to eradicating it completely.
The theme for this year?s celebration is ?Unite to End Violence against Women?.
