PWDs in North Gonja Demand Action Against Stigma and Sexual Violence

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the North Gonja District of the Savannah Region have called for urgent and coordinated action to tackle stigma and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), describing them as major barriers to their safety, dignity, and inclusion.

The call was made at Daboya during a district stakeholder dialogue and sensitization programme held under the theme, “Promoting Dignity for Social Equity: Addressing Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities.”

The event brought together traditional authorities, civil society organizations, family heads, PWDs, youth groups, women, government representatives, and community leaders to deepen discussions on inclusion and equity.

Speaking at the event, a representative of the Ghana Federation of Disability, Ms. Rafia Yussif, highlighted the heightened vulnerability of women and girls with disabilities to SGBV, particularly those with psychosocial, hearing, and intellectual challenges. She noted that persistent stigma and discrimination often fueled by misconceptions and limited awareness—continue to exclude PWDs from essential services and opportunities.

The Project Coordinator of PureTrust Foundation, Ms. Jamilatu Tahiru, explained that the dialogue sought to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, especially women and children, while promoting collaboration among stakeholders to identify practical and sustainable solutions to SGBV and discrimination.

Also sharing her experience, Madam Yussif Salamatu, Executive Director of the Jemwalle Foundation Cooperative and a representative of the Fulani community, recounted instances of marginalization and called for inclusive policies that reflect the realities of underserved populations.

Institutions including CHRAJ, NCCE, DOVVSU, the Department of Social Welfare, and the District Gender Office participated in the engagement.

The Presiding Member of the North Gonja District Assembly, Hon. Yahuza Yaha, urged stakeholders to channel their recommendations through district structures to strengthen coordinated responses and promote an inclusive society.

A key outcome of the dialogue was the inauguration of District Gender Action Groups (DiGAGs), a multi-stakeholder platform aimed at promoting continuous engagement, accountability, and collective action in addressing SGBV and discrimination against PWDs.

Participants renewed their commitment to intensify community education, strengthen reporting and referral systems, and uphold the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

The programme was implemented by PureTrust Foundation under the Champions of Change project in the Savannah and Northern Regions, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through GIZ Ghana’s Support to Human Rights, Gender Equality and Civil Society (SHE) Project. It was carried out in collaboration with the North Gonja Community Foundation and the Federation of Persons with Disabilities, North Gonja.

 

Source: ghanawatchonline.com/ Salifu Adam