Accra, Dec. 10, GNA – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has handed over a renovated shelter and equipment to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), to provide secure accommodation for victims of domestic violence.
The gesture formed part of this year’s “16 days of activism” to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the country.
The equipment include five HP laptops, four desktops computers, two HP printers, 10 office chairs, one room canopy, a set of office desk and chair, television set, three-in-one visitors chair, a double door fridge, and a gas cooker.
Mr Niyi Ojuolape, the UNFPA Country Representative, speaking at the event said the equipment followed many interventions to ensure that women and girls had access to holistic support to regain their dignity and health.
He said victims of SGBV usually required more than prosecution and justice, hence the shelter to ameliorate the psychological and emotional health of victims.
“We believe this shelter would go a long way to enhance the response to SGBV and safeguard the rights of vulnerable women and girls,” he stated.
Mr Ojuolape said in addition to the shelter, UNFPA had supported Pearl Safe Haven, a civil society organization for the construction of another SGBV accommodation to support domestic violence survivors in Accra.
He said “Today’s handing over will not end here, we will continue to work with the Ministry to provide the needed technical support to ensure the successful operation of the shelter for the safety and wellbeing of women and girls”.
Mr Ojuolape pledged UNFPA’s continued support to government through the Ministry in the fight against SGBV for the safety and development of all girls and women.
Dr Afisah Zakaria, the Chief Director of MoGCSP, on behalf of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, expressed appreciation to the UNFPA for the partnership and support over the years.
GNA