We are committed to protecting victims of domestic violence – Prof. Opoku-Agyemang

As the world marks 16-days of activism against gender-based violence, the running mate of the NDC, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reiterated the party’s commitment to protect domestic violence victims.

“We will propose and pass a bill to address sexual harassment everywhere, provide support and protection programs for victims of domestic violence, and eliminate all barriers faced by victims especially women and children in seeking remedy and justice. These are moral obligations we shall not shirk” she said.

The United Nations in 2019 adopted the new ILO Convention 190 which aimed at eliminating violence and sexual harassment at the workplace but according to Prof. Agyemang the convention is inadequate to protect victims of violence.

She said a comprehensive, concerted approach must be adopted in order to effectively protect the well-being of vulnerable groups.

“This would mean taking concrete and tangible actions such as resourcing the Domestic Violence Fund, eliminating medical fees for rape and defiled victims building shelters to accommodate victims of gender-based violence and ratifying the ILO C190”.

“This should be a commitment that all of us embrace and strive to achieve, John Mahama and I dedicate ourselves to this commitment and we will confront these issues head on, as outlined in The People’s Manifesto” she added.

Every year, the United Nations (UN) designates 16 days of Activism for “No Violence Against Women and Children” to mark advocacy against gender-based violence.

The international awareness-raising campaign starts from 25th November to 10th December observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Universal Children’s Day and World AIDS Day. The UN Women 2020 UNITE Campaign is themed: “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”