The United Nations Resident Representative to Ghana, Charles Abani, has praised Ghana for its implementation of the ‘16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.’

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 ‘16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence’ in Accra, on Monday, November 25, 2024, the UN representative was particularly impressed by the involvement of the Ghana Public Transport Network in the implementation of the initiative.

He indicated that the involvement of the transport sector in the initiative would help ensure that the activism against sexual and gender-based violence reaches every home in the country.

“This innovative and exciting social drive for working with the transport sector, to me, is groundbreaking and inspiring, and I really congratulate you, UNFPA, and the Road Transport Workers Union for this innovative partnership.

“... The 16 Route 16 Stations partnership between UNFPA and GPRTU is a powerful example of this innovation. It will reach millions of Ghanaians, if not every Ghanaian, through these humble motor parks that we have across the country, and the vehicles crisscrossing this great country will be able to share this message widely. The initiative seeks to harness the power and reach of the Ghana Public Transport Network to create awareness and foster action against gender-based violence. Public transport in Ghana plays a vital role in the daily lives of millions of citizens," he said.

He added, “It is a space where people come together, regardless of their background, to travel, for work, for school, for social activities, and more. It makes it a prime opportunity for dialogue and education on this critical issue.”

Charles Abani also said that the theme for this year's ‘16 Days of Activism,’ “30 Years After The Beijing Declaration and Platform For Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls in Ghana,” points to the fact that there is still more to do in the fight against violence against marginalised groups.

To commemorate the initiative, staff of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP) and its partners went through the streets of the nation’s capital, Accra, advocating against sexual and gender-based violence.

The sector minister, Dakoa Newman, commended all the partners of the ministry, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for their support in the implementation of the initiative in Ghana.

Newman, who is also the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South, said that as part of the 2024 ‘16 Days of Activism’, the ministry will organise three community sensitisation activities in the Central, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions and will also participate in UNFPA-led activities.

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