Remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Charles Abani delivered at the National and Regional launch of “The 16 Routes, 16 Stations Initiative Against GBV”

Today we gather here to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), an annual global campaign that calls for action and solidarity in ending violence against women and girls. Therefore, this innovative social drive of working with the transport sector is a critical initiative to create awareness, mobilise actions and renew our commitment to a world free from violence so that everyone, especially women and girls, everywhere can live in safety and dignity.

The global theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism is “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.” This theme emphasizes the need to hold ourselves’ accountable to the promises made in 1995 during the Beijing World Conference on Women. As we reflect on the progress we have made, we must also confront the reality that gender-based violence remains a significant challenge. It is a challenge that transcends borders, cultures, and systems, affecting women and girls in every part of the world. For over two decades, the United Nations has been at the forefront of efforts to end GBV, with initiatives such as the UNiTE 2030 campaign which calls for bold, innovative action to end all forms of GBV and to build a future where women and girls are free from fear and harm. 

The 16 Routes, 16 Stations partnership between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), is a powerful example of such innovation. The initiative seeks to harness the power and reach of Ghana’s public transport network to create awareness and foster action against GBV. Public transport in Ghana plays a vital role in the daily lives of millions of citizens. It is a space where people come together, regardless of their background, to travel for work, school, social activities, and more. This makes it a prime opportunity for dialogue and education on critical social issues such as GBV.

We have heard countless stories of verbal and physical abuse, and in some cases, sexual harassment and exploitation. Vulnerable women and girls, often traveling alone or stranded at stations, are particularly susceptible to abuse. These incidents, including trafficking are a stark reminder that we cannot afford to remain complacent in our efforts to eliminate GBV.

As we embark on this journey, we recognize that GBV does not just affect the transport system – it is a societal issue that requires a whole-of-society response. While the focus of this initiative will be on public transport, its impact will extend far beyond the buses and stations. The messages we share will reach people in their homes, their places of worship, their workplaces, and their communities and in the airwaves. The conversations sparked during this campaign will help to build a collective understanding of the importance of addressing GBV in all its forms.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have made this initiative possible; the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, MTN Ghana, the Ministry of Gender, the European Union in Ghana, UNFPA Ghana and all of our partners in the civil society organisation. Your commitment to this cause is invaluable. I also thank the transport operators and passengers who will participate in this campaign and take action in their communities.

Let us unite and ensure that the next generation inherits a world of safety, dignity, and opportunity for all.