By Patience Tawiah, GNA
Nkwanta (O/R), Nov 25, GNA – The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana Chapter has launched this year’s edition of the global 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, renewing its commitment to combating all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly the rising threat of digital abuse.
The initiative highlights the urgent need to address the growing tide of online threats, harassment and exploitation targeting women and girls worldwide.
Dr Charity Binka, the Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network Ghana Chapter, at the launch of the Activism in Accra on Tuesday, emphasised that the campaign was more than a symbolic observance, but served as a call to action for government, institutions, and the public to confront deeply rooted inequalities that continued to fuel violence in all its forms.
She also expressed concern over the increase of domestic abuse, harmful cultural practices, digital violence, and femicide in Ghana.
Dr Binka said digital violence which manifested through cyber-stalking, sexual extortion, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, deep fake manipulation, and coordinated digital attacks, had become a severe threat to women’s safety and participation both online and offline.
“These forms of abuse have devastating emotional, psychological, social, and physical consequences that silence women, drive girls off online spaces, endanger public participation, and reinforce harmful gender powered structures,” she said.
The leadership of the chapter, however, urged the government and parliament to strengthen laws that addressed digital violence, ensuring clear definitions, criminalisation and prosecution.
Also, technology companies and digital platforms must enhance monitoring, prevention, and timely removal of harmful content while guaranteeing confidential support for survivors.
The chapter reaffirmed that ending gender-based violence was a national obligation requiring the delivery of leadership, institutional accountability, community vigilance, and the active involvement of citizens at all levels.
“Digital violence is not inevitable, it is preventable, because when we unite, speak out, demand accountability, and protect one another, we move closer to a Ghana where every woman and girl can live, grow, and lead without fear,” Dr Binka said.
This year’s global 16 days was launched on the theme: “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls.”
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo