Gender-Based Violence refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. Gender–based violence is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue. It is estimated that one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. During displacement and times of crisis, the threat of Gender Based Violence (GBV) significantly increases for women and girls. Examples of gender-based violence include, rape, harassment, female genital mutilation, forced marriages among others.
In view of the above, Staff from the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development were invited to an orientation at the Bosomtwe Girls Senior High School at Deduako to talk on Gender Based violence, how to prevent them and most importantly, where and how to report them. The exercise commenced at exactly 10:30am at the school premises with the first-year students numbering up to three hundred and sixty (360). The Head of Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, led in the sensitization of the students.
He encouraged the students to report all forms of abuse to Social Welfare and Community Development office in the district and also entreat them to use the national toll-free line that has been marked for receiving complains on various forms of abuse. The programme was brought to a successful end at 12:30 pm.
