The Executive Director for the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA – GH), Hajia Alima Sagito – Saeed, has admonished women to desist from accepting out – of – court settlements in cases of violence in which they, or their relative is the victim.
She made the caution in an inclusive interview with Yagbon news’ reporter Issah Zakariah Jnr. as SWIDA – GH kick started its campaign for the 16 day of activism, 2021.
SWIDA – Gh’s work is geared towards the empowerment of women and children to ensure their welfare, as well as the development of northern Ghana.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender – Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.
The campaign runs every year from 25th November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, through to the 10th of December which is the Human Rights Day.
The campaign seeks to challenge and denounce cultural practices that promote gender inequalities and to educate the public to be sensitive and supportive to GBV victims by sharing helpful information about related abuses while educating them on the values of gender equity and equality.
Hajia Alima Sagito – Saeed who is a gender advocate herself, cautioned that women who are abused should not succumb to the advice of relatives who suggest that cases of violence against them should be settled out of court.
“Don’t agree to settle any act of violence against women out of court because any act of violence against women, is a violation against the society.
When you are abused, relatives and neighbours may advice you to allow the case to be settled at home but don’t agree. Standstill and you will be served justice”, she cautioned women.
Hajia Alima admitted that violence cuts across genders, but noted that violence against women is more common in the 21st century, as she called on stakeholders to ensure the effectiveness and proper implementation of laws against gender based violence.
She was emphatic that violence against women is affecting rural development, economic justice and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.
She was confident that women do better when given the opportunity to exhibit their full potentials in situations of decision making, policy formulation and implementation for community transformation.
The Executive Director however cautioned against the stigmatization of abused women and girls by society, as she entreated that society should empathize with such victims by showing them love, care and provide them room for rehabilitation for reintegration into society.
The annual campaign themed “Orange the World”, which hinges on the year’s theme “End Violence Against Women Now”!, uses orange as the unifying colour throughout all its activities to symbolize a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls.
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