…marks International Women’s Day
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has called for urgent government action to address ongoing discrimination and violence against women as the nation commemorates International Women’s Day 2025.
In a statement released last week CHRAJ Commissioner Dr. Joseph Whittal highlighted alarming statistics showing that violence against women remains pervasive both globally and within Ghana.
“Almost one in every three women have experienced physical and/or intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at a point in their lives,” Dr. Whittal noted. These global trends are mirrored in Ghana, where approximately 24.4% of women aged 15-49 have experienced intimate partner physical and/or sexual violence at least once.
The Commission acknowledged recent progress, particularly the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equality) Act 2024, which aims to promote gender equality across political, social, economic, educational, and cultural spheres. However, CHRAJ emphasized that further action is needed to ensure sustainable development regarding gender equality.
A major concern highlighted by the Commission is the prevalence of intimate partner and sexual violence, which affects between 27 to 30 percent of Ghanaian women. The statement also pointed to inadequate funding for the Domestic Violence Fund and a shortage of state-owned shelters for abuse victims, leaving many women trapped in dangerous situations.
CHRAJ expressed particular concern about violence against women accused of witchcraft in the Northern and Northeast regions. The Commission noted disappointment that the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill, aimed at criminalizing witch accusations, was not signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo despite being passed by Parliament in July 2023.
In response to these challenges, CHRAJ called on the Attorney-General to reintroduce the Criminal Offences (Amendment) Bill to the 9th Parliament. The Commission also urged President John Dramani Mahama to support the anti-witchcraft legislation.
“The government is entreated to make funds available for the effective implementation of Section 8(3) of the Domestic Violence Act, 2007, and to set up shelters for victims across the country,” the statement added.
Dr. Whittal emphasized that despite various regulations and initiatives implemented over the years, women in Ghana continue to face social, political, economic, and cultural challenges requiring immediate attention.
This year’s International Women’s Day, celebrated under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” focuses on creating equal rights, power, and opportunities for women across all sectors. The day has been officially recognized by the United Nations since March 8, 1975.
As Ghana joins the global community in marking this important occasion, CHRAJ’s message underscores the need for concrete actions rather than symbolic gestures to address the persistent challenges facing women and girls throughout the country.
