By Priscilla Oye Ofori, GNA
Accra, Sept. 7, GNA – Community and women leaders have been urged to take preventive action against child marriage, adolescent exploitation and gender-based violence (GBV) through community sensitisation and the establishment of safe, confidential reporting systems.
Ms Joyce Odame, the Child Protection Officer at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), made the call at the Gender and Women Leaders Short Course, organised by Regent University College of Science and Technology (RUCST), in collaboration with the Obaapa Development Foundation, and Starweb Real-Time Resources Limited.
The programme was supported by MSI Reproductive Choices Ghana and Reload Experience Ghana.
Ms Odame emphasised the need to prevent such social vices before harm occurs, urging leaders to take concrete actions within their communities and organisations.
She said leaders who had gained knowledge about the drivers of child marriage and exploitation should undertake sensitisation programmes for young girls, parents and caregivers on the dangers involved and ways to support girls’ development.
Ms Odame noted that many parents avoided discussions on puberty and sexuality, leaving girls to navigate those experiences on their own, which could expose them to transactional sex and early marriage.
“We must adopt a supportive approach. Girls need to understand that the changes they experience are normal, but they must also be taught to be cautious and empowered to say no. They must know that transactional sex is not the only option available to them,” she said.
She encouraged leaders to connect girls with trusted mentors and role models they could confide in.
Madam Melody Darkey, the Executive Director of Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF) Ghana, called on traditional authorities and community leaders to use their influence to openly condemn violence and challenge the social norms that perpetuated it.
She urged leaders to create discreet and safe channels through which victims and survivors could report abuse without fear of stigma, backlash or retaliation, factors that often prevent survivors from speaking out.
Madam Darkey stressed that cases reported through such channels must be referred to the appropriate state institutions mandated to enforce the law.
She cautioned leaders against attempting to settle serious GBV cases in an effort to reconcile families, noting that such actions were often due to a lack of understanding of the law.
“There are cases the law permits them to settle in the interest of reconciliation, and they should apply the appropriate principles. However, for cases they are not authorised to handle, they should not attempt to do so. They can report such cases to the appropriate authorities,” she said.
Madam Darkey encouraged women leaders to use their convening power to mobilise communities, transform harmful social norms, and ensure that girls remained in school while women lived free from violence.
Nana Akosua Afi Addobea, Guantoahemaa of Mampong-Akuapem, said she had benefited greatly from the legal knowledge shared during the programme.
As a lawyer who handles cases at the palace, she said the knowledge gained would strengthen her capacity to address issues brought before her.
Nana Pambia IV, Divisional Queenmother of Ngleshie Amanfrom, called for collective efforts to eliminate harmful practices within communities.
She said the sessions on GBV and child marriage would equip women leaders with the knowledge needed to address such issues effectively and help ensure the safety of women and girls in their communities.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Priscilla Oye Ofori
[email protected]