One Billion Rising leaders with participants at the event
One Billion Rising, a global movement to educate and end exploitation of women and girls, has organised a sensitisation programme for the people of Mamfe in the Eastern Region.
The event was themed, “Breaking Free the Struggle of African Women at the Crossroad of Fascism and Patriarchy in Africa.”
Country Director for One Billion Rising Ghana, Vickenzie Gifty Offei, explained that abuse against women should not be entertained, and speaking up against the abuse of women is a way to end exploitation against girls and women in general.
Speaking at the event, a representative from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Chief Inspector Marcus Addai, pointed out that it is against the law to hit or beat an individual, whether a male or female, in marriage or a relationship, which he termed as physical abuse.
He educated the locals on the different types of abuse, stating that it is also an abuse for a spouse to be denied certain rights like sex and accommodation. He explained that it is against the law for a spouse to be denied access to their home.
Mr. Addai disclosed that, it is important for every child to bear a name and be named, emphasising that it is against the law to have a child and not give the child a name.
He advised men to take responsibility of caring for their children, since “children are gifts from God.”
Mr. Addai further educated school children about rape, urging them to report cases of harassment or speak up when touched, whether from teachers, parents or friends.
He advised parents, especially mothers, to pay close attention to their children and avoid dismissing causes of harassment when the children speak up, but rather act upon issues when they are informed.
Psychologist and a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Jonathan Odame educated the people on mental health, emphasising on stress.
He pointed out that everyone responds to stress differently, adding that stress starts from the mind, and what an individual thinks is very important.
He noted some signs of stress include extreme tiredness, feeling too lazy, sleeplessness, constipation, constant worrying and lack of concentration.
He also highlighted the management of stress, thus finding out what is causing the stress, changing attitudes, managing time, positive self-talk, exercising and singing happy songs could be a way one can reduce stress.
Dr. Odame encouraged women to visit the hospital regularly and avoid self-medication.
Lawyer Grace Yalley from the Legal Aid Commission, also educated the people of Mamfe on the types of marriages in Ghana, namely the customary marriage, ordinance marriage and Mohammedan marriage.
She then explained that the law allows divorce from an abusive marriage, and advised women to avoid staying in abusive marriages.
She noted that taking care of children is the responsibility of both parents.
In an interview with Madam Lovelace Danquah, a member of the Apostle Church expressed gratitude to One Billion Rising, noting that she has gained knowledge from the event. She added that being a local women’s leader, she will educate her fellow women and Sunday school children at church about abuse.
The founder of Touch A Heart Foundation, Ms. Araba Assuman, explained the ‘PANTS’ rule for children, thus P – Private parts are private, nobody is permitted to touch it; A – Always remember that your body is yours and yours only; N – No means no. Never yield to pressure; T – There are no secrets from mummy/ daddy. If there is any attempt on you, please report it; and S – Say something, so we can do something about it.
By Florence Asamoah Adom