Public transport “Trotro” drivers join fight against Gender-Based Violence as UN and partners kick start "16 Routes, 16 Stations" social drive

Mr. Osei is married and is a trotro driver. He has been driving trotro, a popular mode of public transportation in Ghana for three years. Today, he's excited to be part of the #16Routes16Stations initiative, launched at the Odawna Lorry Station to kick start the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.  It aims at raising awareness and mobilising actions against GBV within the transport sector that carries millions of people every day.

"I've seen many things on the road, but violence against women and girls is something that's always disturbed me," Mr. Osei says. “Beating women is not good at all. I will make it a point to share information about GBV in my car” he added. 

The #16Routes16Stations social drive is led by the UNFPA in collaboration with the collaboration with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), a member of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), MTN Ghana and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. It is expected to be launched in all the 16 regions across the country within the period of the 16 Days of activism from 25 November to 10 December 2024. 

Speaking at the launch, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Charles Abani emphasized the need to avoid complacency in the fight against 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” he noted.

The UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. Wilfred Ochan, highlighted the role of the transport sector as a lifeline for ending GBV. “Public transport connects millions daily, providing a unique opportunity to share messages of hope, prevention, & action against GBV” he said. 

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dakoa Newman, called for continuous action to eliminate gender-based violence."The reports of women being killed in their matrimonial homes or in public spaces are troubling and entirely unacceptable," Hon. Newman said. She added that "These incidents demand our collective and urgent action to fight GBV."

 pledged the union's support for the initiative. "We are an appropriate body that can help to disseminate, to advocate, and then to do what we call behavior change," Mr. Abulbire said. "If all members in this union and other unions learn and spread this message, it will do the world good, and make sure GBV is stopped."

Explaining the choice of Odawna for the launch of a social drive to end GBV, the Head of Gender and Human Rights at UNFPA and the brain behind this initiative, Dr. Doris Aglobitse, said "Odowna Station is one of the lorry stations that have connecting cars to all the 16 regions of Ghana. It is a crucial starting point because every region is represented here in terms of the drivers that work.  We will be able to connect with millions of Ghanaians through this lorry station drive." She said.

Mr. Osei, the trotro driver, says he is committed to playing his part in preventing GBV. While he often faces verbal abuse in his line of work, he believes that campaigns like this will better equip him to manage such situations effectively. He also urged the public to avoid resorting to violence and instead seek proper channels for redress when facing abuse or attached.