UN Women holds regional consultation workshop with traditional and faith leaders in Ghana

 Available data indicate that about 40% of women aged 15-49 in Ghana have experienced some form of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in their lifetime, and experts emphasize the crucial need for involvement from opinion and community leaders to tackle this prevailing issue.

This was highlighted by the Senior Gender Specialist, UN Women Ghana, Madam Afua Ansre during a consultation workshop organized by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality, and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) West, and the Central Regional Office, in collaboration with the UN Women Nigeria Country Office. The workshop aimed to meaningfully partner with powerful agents of social change to shift underlying structures of power within communities, end harmful practices, address religious misconceptions, and transform cultural norms surrounding violence against women. 

Madam Afua Ansre said some of the root causes of gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices are fueled by cultural norms and practices.  According to her, these social norms that legitimate these practices must be transformed. “Working with, rather than against traditional and faith leaders in West Africa is crucial to ending violence against women and girls and promoting women empowerment”.  

Addressing the gathering at the opening ceremony, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Resident Representative, Dr. Wilfred Ochan said traditional and cultural leaders have a powerful role in advancing and advocating for policy and social norms that will ensure structural and cultural shifts to end GBV as in the LEAP project. 
The Development Queen mother of Afigya-Kwabre Ashanti Kingdom, NanaHemaa Awindor said, as the custodians of tradition and guardians of the faith, their collective voice holds immense power to effect positive change. “Let us engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and forge collaborative strategies to address our society’s challenges… leveraging our position, respect, and influence to advocate for the well-being and advancement of our communities”.
The consultations brought together traditional, cultural and faith leaders from all over the country.