Mrs Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, has called for justice for the late Joana Deladem Yabani, the student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, who was killed by her boyfriend.
She said the horrific incident emphasised the urgent need to address toxic relationships and ensure the safety of young women.
She urged young women not to see relationships as the ultimate goal but to prioritise their well-being and protection.
Mrs Dwamena-Aboagye made the call in a press statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in commemorating the International Women’s Day on the theme: “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality”.
She implored men to be allies in the fight for gender equality and the end of violence against women, saying: “Together, Let us rise to these challenges and forge a future of resilience, dignity, and progress for all Ghanaians”.
It reminded the Government of the urgent need to put structures in place to implement the Affirmative Action Act, adding that the Private Members’ Bill and the Anti-Witchcraft Accusation Bill must all be quickly passed to protect vulnerable women.
It said sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives was crucial for stronger coordination and gender mainstreaming across all sectors.
It is imperative to strengthen constitutional provisions to ensure women’s rights are not eroded by evolving ideologies or persisting cultural norms, it added.
The International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, as well as violence and abuse against women.
It acknowledges the pivotal role women have played in shaping the nation’s history and their continued contributions to development
