“Don’t agree to settle any act of violence against women out of court, standstill and you will be served justice” said the Executive Director for Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency,Ghana (SWIDA-GH), Hajia Alima Sagitor Saeed.
She made the caution in an inclusive interview with Yagbon news’ reporter Issah Zakariah Jnr. as her foundation, SWIDA-GH, which is focused on women and children welfare and development in northern Ghana join the rest of the world in this year’s 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs every year from 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10th December which is the Human Rights Day.
The campaign seeks to challenge and denounce cultural practices that promote gender inequalities and to educate the public to be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims by sharing helpful information about related abuses while educating them on the values of gender equity and equality.
Hajia Alima Sagitor Saeed who is a gender advocate cautioned that women who are abused should not succumb to the advice of relatives who suggest that cases of violence against them should be settled out of court.
“Don’t agree to settle any act of violence against women out of court because any act of violence against women, is a violation against the society.
When you are abused, relatives and neighbours may advice you to allow the case to be settled at home but don’t agree.Standstill and you will be served justice”, she cautioned women.
Hajia Alima Sagitor Saeed admitted that violence cut across genders but noted that violence against women is more common in the 21st century and called on stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness and proper implementation of laws against gender based violence.
She was emphatic that violence against women is affecting rural development, economic justice and the attainment of sustainable development goals and affirmed that women do better when given the opportunity to exhibit their full potentials in situations of decision making,policy formulation and implementation for community transformation.
However, she cautioned against the stigmatisation of abused women and girls by society and entreats that society should empathize with such victims by showing them love and care to be rehabilitated into society. She also advised any female who is being abused or stigmatized to report to law enforcing agencies for justice to be served her.
The annual campaign also known as “Orange the World” campaign uses orange as the unifying colour throughout all its activities to symbolize a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls.
Source: yagbonradioonline
