Let’s adopt stringent measures to protect women, children – Activist
Stringent measures to protect women from all forms of violence have been advocated by a women and children’s activist, Abundant Hayford Aggrey.
She stressed the need for perpetrators of abuse to face the full rigors of the law, describing such acts as unacceptable and inhumane.
Ms Aggrey made the remarks at a press conference in Accra yesterday following a viral social media video showing a woman, Nana Hemaa Awenepa Nkasa, being subjected to physical and verbal abuse.
She condemned the incident, urging swift legal action against the culprits.
“Let us treat all women with dignity irrespective of their background. It is very wrong for female traditional leaders to be mistreated or looked down upon,” she said.
As the President of the Coalition of NGOs for Women and Children, Ms Aggrey underscored the need to accord Ghana’s queen mothers the respect they deserve.
She lamented that despite their esteemed roles, many have faced ridicule and harassment, particularly on social media.
She therefore called on gender advocates and the general public to rally behind efforts to end mistreatment against queen mothers and women at large.
“The laws of Ghana are very clear on abuse. The Domestic Violence Act 2007 (Act 732) prohibits all forms of violence against women, including emotional and psychological abuse. Similarly, the Cybercrime Act 2012 (Act 831) makes it an offense to use electronic communication to harass or intimidate others,” she noted.
Ms Aggrey urged victims to report any form of mistreatment to safeguard their lives and ensure justice.
Naa Obeye Dromo I, Queen Mother of Mamprobi in the Ngleshie Alata Traditional Council, on her part stressed the importance of women rising collectively to defend their rights and those of others.
“Every woman must stand up to protect her rights and contribute to safeguarding the dignity of all women,” she added.
She said the call to action underscores the need for societal and institutional support to uphold women’s rights and dignity.
By addressing abuse through legal enforcement and collective advocacy, she believes a safer and more equitable environment could be achieved for all women in the country and beyond.
BY RAISSA SAMBOU
