Vickenzie Gifty Offei with some participants
One Billion Rising (OBR) Ghana, a platform that gives women the opportunity to speak out against injustice particularly Gender-Based Violence (GBV) has marked its 8th anniversary with a call for renewed action to protect women and girls.
Over the past 8 years, the movement has organised several sensitisation events, across various parts of the country, to educate and end exploitation of women and girls.
This year’s sensitisation programme, which coincided with the commemoration of Valentine’s Day, was held in the Bono Region where community members particularly women and school children of the Buadan community gathered at the Awisa MA, Wuropo MA basic schools, as well as the Presbyterian school in the community to partake in the events.
The movement also donated assorted items including sanitary pads, hand creams, cloths, dresses, shoes, school bags, ladies bags, soaps, drinks, biscuits among others to participants.
Country Director One Billion Rising Ghana, Vickenzie Gifty Offei, speaking at the events highlighted the theme, “Our Bodies, Our Earth, Our Future.”
A scene during the donation
According to her, the movement remains committed to ending rape, abuse and all forms of violence against women and girls.
“Violence against women knows no borders,” she said, noting that many survivors continue to suffer in silence due to stigma and fear.
She stressed that this year’s theme links bodily autonomy to environmental justice and future sustainability.
“We rise to say enough is enough. We rise against abuse. We rise to embrace our uniqueness and empower one another to live authentically,” she stated.
Ms. Offei further noted that Valentine’s Day has become more than a celebration of romance, describing it instead as a day for women to demand dignity, justice and freedom from abuse.
She emphasised that OBR Ghana serves as a platform for women to speak out about injustices experienced in homes, schools, workplaces, religious institutions and cultural spaces.
“Too many people suffer in silence. Too many lives are lost because voices were never heard,” she said, urging women to seek help and support one another.
Reflecting on the movement’s growth in Ghana since 2018, she said the annual gathering continues to build solidarity among women and allies, encouraging healing and collective action.
“Together, we rise. Together, we heal. Together, we create a world where every woman can live free, safe and whole,” she added.
Founded in 2012 by activist and playwright, Eve Ensler, One Billion Rising was inspired by a United Nations statistic that one in three women globally will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.
The campaign mobilised activists in 160 countries at its inception and has since expanded to more than 200 countries.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong