The Effutu Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with Human Rights and Development Services (HURDS), on Tuesday hosted a high-level stakeholders’ dialogue on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) aimed at deepening awareness, identifying root causes, and strengthening coordinated efforts to combat the growing menace within the municipality.The dialogue meeting, held at the Assembly’s Conference Hall, brought together traditional authorities, Christian and Islamic leaders, Assembly Members, security agencies, women and youth groups, civil society organizations, educators, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on practical and sustainable solutions to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.Speaking at the event, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Effutu, Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah, described Sexual and Gender-Based Violence as a serious human rights violation and a threat to social development, peace, and community wellbeing.He commended Human Rights and Development Services (HURDS) for spearheading the initiative and reaffirmed the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and promoting safer communities.“This gathering is not merely for speeches and discussions. It is a call to action. We are here not just to listen, but to act decisively against all forms of abuse and violence that continue to destroy lives and limit the potential of many women, girls, men, and children within our communities,” the MCE stressed.Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah noted that despite increasing awareness campaigns nationwide, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence continues to persist due to a combination of socio-economic, cultural, and institutional challenges.According to him, poverty, unemployment, economic dependency, substance abuse, harmful cultural practices, gender inequality, peer pressure, family breakdown, and weak enforcement of laws remain major drivers of SGBV cases across many communities.He further indicated that women and girls who lack economic empowerment often become vulnerable to exploitation, domestic abuse, forced dependency, and other forms of violence.“When women and young people are economically empowered through vocational training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and access to resources, they gain confidence, independence, and the ability to speak up against abuse,” he emphasized.The MCE also highlighted emerging risk factors such as cyber harassment, online sexual exploitation, child neglect, drug abuse, and exposure to violent environments, warning that these issues continue to place children and young people at greater risk.He called for intensified collaboration among traditional leaders, religious institutions, schools, families, law enforcement agencies, social welfare departments, and civil society organizations to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted and survivors receive the necessary protection and support.Hon. Rev. Atta Mensah further urged community leaders to break the culture of silence surrounding abuse and encouraged victims and witnesses to report cases without fear of stigmatization.“No society can develop when fear, abuse, intimidation, and violence are allowed to thrive. We must collectively create an environment where every individual, regardless of gender or age, feels safe, respected, and protected,” he added.The Executive Director of Human Rights and Development Services, Madam Eva Ankrah, who facilitated the dialogue, explained that Sexual and Gender-Based Violence affects people across all social classes, genders, and age groups and often leaves long-term physical, emotional, psychological, and economic consequences on victims.She noted that many survivors suffer in silence due to fear, shame, social stigma, financial dependency, and lack of confidence in the justice system.Madam Eva Ankrah outlined several forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence including domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, economic deprivation, child marriage, verbal assault, intimidation, and psychological violence.She explained that although women and girls are disproportionately affected, men and boys also experience various forms of abuse which often go unreported because of societal perceptions and stigma.Touching on the root causes of SGBV, she identified irresponsible parenting, illiteracy, poverty, poor law enforcement, gender discrimination, negative cultural norms, substance abuse, inadequate public education, and weak support systems as major contributing factors.She further stressed that communities must begin to address the underlying attitudes and behaviors that normalize violence and discrimination.“Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence requires a united front. Families must teach respect and discipline at home, religious and traditional leaders must speak boldly against abuse, schools must educate children on their rights, and institutions must ensure justice is served swiftly and fairly,” she stated.Madam Eva Ankrah also underscored the importance of comprehensive public education, counseling services, community surveillance systems, youth empowerment programmes, and survivor-centered support mechanisms in addressing the issue effectively.Participants at the dialogue engaged in interactive discussions, sharing experiences, concerns, and recommendations on how communities and institutions can strengthen prevention mechanisms and improve reporting systems.Several participants advocated for continuous public sensitization campaigns, stricter punishment for offenders, improved access to legal and psychosocial support services for survivors, and stronger collaboration between local authorities and security agencies.Traditional and religious leaders at the meeting pledged their support in using their platforms to educate community members on the dangers of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and the need to uphold the dignity and rights of every individual.The programme ended with renewed commitment among stakeholders to intensify advocacy, strengthen partnerships, and implement practical interventions aimed at reducing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and promoting safer, more inclusive communities within the Effutu Municipality.The dialogue forms part of ongoing efforts by Human Rights and Development Services (HURDS) and the Effutu Municipal Assembly to advance human rights, gender equality, and community development through education, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
Story By: Charles Baah Aboagye & Blessing Gadeka -ISD
Last modified: May 29, 2026
