Gender Minister Leads Drive Against Digital Gender Violence

  


Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has led a bold national call to end all forms of gender-based violence—especially digital abuse—as she launched the 2025 global 16 Days of Activism campaign at the Kaneshie Main Station in Accra.
Addressing a large gathering of government officials, UN agencies, transport unions, civil society groups, and students, Dr. Lartey described gender-based violence (GBV) as a persistent human rights crisis that continues to undermine the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of women and girls across the country. She warned that deep-seated cultural norms still fuel the normalization of abuse, leading many victims to suffer in silence.
The Minister cited alarming statistics: 27.7% of Ghanaian women have experienced domestic violence, and 32% of girls aged 15–24 believe wife-beating is acceptable. She called the numbers troubling, saying they reflect attitudes that must urgently be challenged.
This year’s theme, “Unite! End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” was described by Dr. Lartey as crucial in an era where online abuse—such as cyberbullying, harassment, sextortion, stalking, image-based violations, and blackmail—is spreading rapidly.
Highlighting government actions, she announced several major steps being taken under her leadership:
Training of market executives and professionals as paralegals and volunteer service providers
Strengthening support through the Orange Support Center
Progress toward operationalizing the national shelter in Accra
Plans to establish new regional shelters
Cabinet approval of the revised National Domestic Violence Policy
Ongoing drafting of the new Domestic Abuse Law and its Legislative Instrument
Dr. Lartey also applauded UNFPA’s collaboration with the transport sector, noting that the involvement of GPRTU will significantly amplify public education during the 16-day campaign.
Activities planned include regional sensitization drives, media engagements, and policy dialogues on strengthening shelters and referral systems.
The Minister urged traditional leaders, the media, and all Ghanaians to “blow the whistle” on GBV, stressing that perpetrators must not be shielded and that survivors deserve support, justice, and safe reporting avenues. She reminded the public of the Ministry’s toll-free Orange Support Center line: 0800-111-222.
Declaring the campaign officially launched, Dr. Lartey reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring no Ghanaian is left unprotected in the national effort to end gender-based violence.

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