Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, Social Development and Gender Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Obuasi Mine has stressed the need for a collective responsibility to combat gender-based violence (GBV).
In a symposium organized by AngloGold Ashanti Ghana during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Kyei said violence against women is not just a women’s issue but a human rights concern that demands a unified voice.
According to the United Nations, nearly one in three women aged 15 and older globally have experienced some form of violence, affecting various aspects of their well-being.
Mrs Kyei stressed the importance of women speaking up against all forms of violence to create a society where their voices are heard and respected. AngloGold Ashanti has implemented robust policies to prevent harassment and violence in the workplace, including a zero-tolerance policy against gender-based violence.
“Our zero-tolerance policy ensures that all employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities, encouraging them to report any misconduct through our confidential reporting mechanisms without fear of victimization,” added Mrs Kyei.
She highlighted several interventions by AngloGold Ashanti Ghana to economically empower women, including sponsoring women-led business owners to international conferences and organizing business formalization workshops for traditional queen mothers in Adansi.
The symposium, themed “Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,” featured representatives from CHRAJ, DOVVSU, and seasoned marriage counsellors as resource persons. Samuel Asante Yeboah, Sub-regional Director of CHRAJ, commended AngloGold Ashanti for sensitizing women and girls on their rights and encouraged participants to seek support when their rights are violated.
Participants, including queen mothers, women from faith-based organizations, NGOs, market women, women from the security services, and girls from second-cycle institutions, expressed their views after the workshop. They emphasized the importance of economic empowerment as a tool for women to defend themselves and fight for their rights.
SOURCE: SAMPSON MANU
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