PureTrust Foundation holds forum on activism against gender-based violence

By Samuel SAM

PureTrust Foundation, a Ghana-based community support non-profit organisation, recently hosted a forum to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The event advocated for the protection of women and children against violence and abuse, emphasizing the importance of legal aid, counselling and support services for victims.

The foundation called for increased education on the rights of women and children, focusing on the need to address domestic violence, child abuse, and gender-based violence. It was noted that such efforts would help protect and promote gender equality, create safe spaces, and foster dialogue around violence prevention, particularly in vulnerable communities.

The advocacy campaign featured the hashtag “Stop practices that promote violence against women and children,” aligning with the foundation’s commitment to empowering communities through education, ensuring women and children can thrive free from the threat of violence.

Held at the Tamale Disability Center, the event was supported by Vibrant Village, GIZ, Charles Stewart, Mott Foundation, and BSR. The forum, titled “Gender and child protection: addressing domestic violence through positive spousal communication,” brought together social welfare staff, artisans, and women smock weavers. It aimed to educate women’s groups on developing communication strategies to sustain their relationships and marriages.

The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, aimed at combating domestic violence against women and children.

Mad. Dakurah Severa from the Department of Social Welfare discussed the widespread issue of high divorce rates and broken homes, noting that many women and children continue to fall victim to these societal challenges. She emphasised the need for traditional authorities and men to be educated on providing security to women and children and ensuring they live peacefully with respect.

Mad. Faidatu Alhassan, a representative of the Tamale Development Trust, called for the implementation of human rights laws to protect women and children from abuse. Chief Executive Officer of Pagsung Shea Cooperative, Hajia Safia Alhassan, stressed the importance of effective education in fighting violence extremism to ensure peace in communities and homes.

Mad. Jamila Tahiru, Projects Coordinator at PureTrust Foundation, shared the foundation’s focus on gender and child protection. “As part of our gender and child protection project, we decided to commemorate the event by organizing a safe space where participants, including our inclusive smock weavers, can learn, share experiences, and voice their concerns,” she said.

Many of the women beneficiaries of the foundation’s programs are young, with most being married. The foundation aimed to hear their concerns regarding family and marital issues and to provide strategies for fostering peace. The session also educated women and young girls on how to communicate effectively with their husbands to maintain a peaceful home and ensure a healthy environment for children.

The foundation’s broader mission includes enhancing social and economic solutions for the poorest communities, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment, youth development, and water and sanitation. It remains committed to collaborating with government and civil society organizations to influence policies protecting vulnerable groups and to improving enforcement of laws against violence.

PureTrust Foundation continues to empower women apprentices through skills training and support programmes, while also working to improve living conditions and educational access for women and children in Ghana.

The post PureTrust Foundation holds forum on activism against gender-based violence appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

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