By Hamza Sulemana, GNA
Tamale, Dec 01, GNA – PureTrust Foundation with support from GIZ, under the S(HE) project, has marked this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence with the unveiling of a number of murals at Dalogyili, a community in the Tamale Metropolis.
The murals showed both males and females performing household chores and taking part in decision-making illustrating messages of equality, harmony, and violence-free homes.
Ms Patience Agyare-Kwabi, a Consultant for the GIZ S(HE) project, speaking during the event, said “These murals will serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure freedom and dignity for all women, girls, and persons with disabilities.”
The event, which was on the theme: “Our Home, Our Heritage: Rejecting Violence, Embracing Harmony”, brought together community members, traditional leaders, women’s groups, youth, representatives of public institutions and civil society organisations to promote unity, gender equality, and collective action against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
It began with registration and the distribution of orange ribbons symbolising solidarity in the fight against SGBV, and featured speeches, testimonies, reflections,, and pledges.
Ms Agyare-Kwabi emphasised the importance of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, saying it aligned with the project’s focus on gender equality and human rights.
She emphasised that “Let women and girls be free to become, who they are meant to be. Without unity, we cannot end SGBV.”
Ms Jamila Tahiru, Project Coordinator, PureTrust Foundation, explained that the “Champions of Change project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented under GIZ Ghana’s Support to Human Rights, Gender Equality and Civil Society-S(HE) Project. This campaign uses community engagement as a strategy to address SGBV through dialogue, education and visual communication.”
She said “The mural symbolizes unity in the home, shared responsibilities and the creation of a peaceful, resilient family. Today, we orange the world with the men and women of Dalogyili.”
Mr. Seidu Alhassan, Chief Investigator, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, Northern Region, highlighted the deep roots of patriarchy and its impact on families and communities.
He said “Men must empower the women and girls in their households. When women are empowered, they can support in managing the home and contribute meaningfully to society.”
He spoke against beliefs that limited women from decision-making roles saying such beliefs must be challenged.
Mr Abdul Fatawu Mahama, Northern Regional Programme Officer, National Commission for Civic Education raised concerns about the low levels of women in leadership positions in the country.
He emphasised that “women are far behind in leadership. Their representation, especially in Parliament is still very low” urging communities to encourage female participation in decision-making spaces.
Mr Musah Abdul Majeed from the Northern Regional Department of Social Welfare and Community Development warned that parents who neglected their children could face sanctions when reported.
He said “We must do away with traditional mindsets that oppress women. Treat your wives fairly, involve them in decisions and create peaceful homes.”¹
Mr. Habib Haruna, Chief Executive Officer, PureTrust Foundation, recounted the organization’s long-standing relationship with the Dalogyili community, which began in 2001.
He shared how the Foundation improvised to train 35 women in the area under canopies due to lack of infrastructure, and eventually helping the women to build a shed that grew into a functioning shea butter processing centre.
He said “These women remember every training model from five years ago and continue to apply them. They have become resource persons influencing communities across Yendi, Saboba, and beyond.”
Mr Haruna said the organisation was working to support the community with a borehole and a potential mechanized water system, expanding the women’s processing centre, a new warehouse and soap-making facility, youth development and volunteer support initiatives.
He praised the women of Dalogyili for their consistency, resilience and commitment to financial literacy.
Community members, especially women took turns to commend PureTrust Foundation for empowering them through financial training, which had transformed their households.
They explained that they now saved better, planned for expenses, and supported their families through improved financial decisions.
Naa Abdulai Salifu, Chief of Dalogyili lauded PureTrust Foundation and GIZ for their sustained support and appealed for additional development interventions such as water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in the area.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Kenneth Odeng Adade