Punish perpetrators of gender-based violence — First Lady
The First lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has called on governments, the United Nations, the African Union and other international organisations to ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence against women in conflicts situations are punished.
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According to her, there must be institutions and structures to hold individuals and organisations accountable for their actions and impose punishments, provide adequate and timely remedies for victims and survivors.
The First Lady made the call at the spouses programme of the Elysee Summit for Peace in Africa which was chaired by the First Lady of France, Ms Valerie Trierweiller, in Paris.
Women under threat
Addressing the summit, Mrs Mahama noted that if perpetrators were not punished, crime would flourish, women’s right would continue to be violated and past crimes would persist.
Some of the atrocities, she noted, include rape, unwanted pregnancy and forced marriage which she said were the worst forms of human rights violations and crimes against humanity.
“As a continent, we must strengthen measures to protect women against sexual violence in conflicts. The future of women and their communities is constantly threatened by violence. Even though they are recognised in conflict and disaster situations as agents for peace and security, they remain marginalised in the decision making processes of their communities.” she added.
Women’s participation
Mrs Mahama also used the platform to call for more women participation in peacekeeping to enhance the security of women and children in conflict areas.
"I must say women can achieve a lot in preventing sexual violence during peacekeeping when given capacity training before deployment” adding that there must be a gender action for peace and security to ensure conflict prevention and using women as sex objects during wars.
Ghana’s commitment
The First Lady reiterated the Government of Ghana's commitment to join the African Union and the international community to fight sexual violence, “so that we enhance and build strong violence free and safe places for our dear women and children”, she said.
As to the governments’ effort at curbing GBV, she said, "Since 1998, a Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit has existed within the Ghana Police Service. As at today, the unit has 106 offices across the country to protect victims of violence”.
“We have also worked and continue to collaborate with actors at the West Africa sub-regional level to address women, peace and security issues.” Lordina Mahama told the summit.
