Stanbic Bank Ghana has donated a sum of GH¢20,000 to the Ark Foundation Ghana, a non-profit organisation that focuses on protecting abused women and children.

The donation was made at the ‘Mother’s Day Shelter Fundraiser’ event, which was held at the headquarters of the Foundation in Haatso.

The event was held to raise funds to support the activities of the Foundation to support women and children in need.

South Africa’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Jeanet Mason, was present at the event. Also in attendance were reps from Vodafone Ghana, the Prison Services, the Ghana Bar Association, the Domestic Violence Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) and Stanbic Bank Ghana.

Presenting the cheque to the Foundation, 2022 Stanbic Woman of the Year, Jacqueline Osei-Kusi noted that the donation aligns with the Bank’s commitment to the #HeForShe movement, obligates the Bank to make a stand against gender-based violence and support those who have fallen victims thereof.

“As a bank, we have seen the Ark Foundation's good work, and we want to commend them for it. Violence affecting women is one of Africa's most pressing and everyday challenges.

"At Stanbic, we believe that Africa is our home, and we drive her growth. It is impossible to drive the growth of our country without supporting the women who work hard to contribute to national development.

"This Mother’s day, we are presenting a cheque of ¢20,000 to the Ark Foundation, which over the years has not only highlighted the problem of gender-based violence but has paved a way forward for us to learn, grow and overcome this challenge to produce a future of happier and healthier women,” she said.

Mrs Osei-Kusi, who is also Stanbic Banks Woman of the Year, advised women to speak out and work together to combat the growing challenges they face as a community.

She also pledged on behalf of the bank to continue to support women all over the country in the fight toward gender equality.

“As women, we are mighty and strong. However, we need to be bold and speak up about the issues we face and fight against them. Stanbic Bank will continue to support women as we fight toward gender equality and promote women empowerment. Together we can make a change,” she said.

The Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, received the donation on behalf of her group and thanked Stanbic for their support.

"It is incredible the things we can do when we work together to support each other. We are grateful to Stanbic Bank for this donation that they have made.

"This sum of money will go a long way to improving women's lives all over the country who are victims of all forms of violence. We know we can count on your continuous support to do bigger and better things for women and children here in Ghana. Thank you very much,” she said.

The Ark offers to vulnerable, distressed, and abused persons, particularly women and children, compassionate care and empowering spaces to live without fear of violence or oppression from others and find strength, dignity, and hope for life.