ActionAid Ghana, in partnership with the Department of Gender, has organized a pivotal one-day sensitization meeting with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ho, the Volta Regional capital.

This event, held under the Transformative Action for Gender Equality (TAGE) project, aimed to address the often-overlooked needs of PWDs in sensitization efforts.

Addressing Core Issues and Empowerment

The meeting covered crucial topics including gender and vulnerability, the rights of PWDs, gender-based violence (GBV), and the avenues available for PWDs to seek redress for violence and abuse. A significant aspect of the TAGE project is its focus on removing systemic barriers to justice for PWDs.

In collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Ghana), and with support from the European Union, ActionAid Ghana has trained Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) officers in sign language. This training is intended to enhance communication and support for PWDs who have suffered abuse.

Stakeholder Engagement

In addition to the sensitization meeting, the project also included a one-day stakeholder dialogue with the leadership of the Volta Regional Command of the Ghana Police Service.

This engagement focused on improving service delivery to women and girls at risk, with a particular emphasis on PWDs. Regional and district commanders, crime officers, and DOVVSU coordinators discussed strategies to enhance their support for PWDs.

Objectives of the Sensitization Meeting

Among other things, the meeting aimed to raise awareness among PWDs about different forms of violence and available support services, with a focus on the unique needs of those with hearing impairments, empower PWDs with knowledge and skills to assert their rights, advocate against abuse, and seek the necessary support.

It was also to create an inclusive and safe space for PWDs to engage, share experiences, and seek redress including psycho-social support.

Diverse Participation

Participants included PWDs from TAGE partner districts such as Adaklu and Ho Municipality, as well as other districts like Hohoe and Keta. The meeting specifically targeted individuals with hearing impairments and involved various disability organizations including the Ghana Blind Union, the Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism, and the Association of the Physically Challenged.

Over 55 participants attended, surpassing the initial target of 40.

Key Presentations

Mrs Thywill Kpe, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender, provided an in-depth presentation on gender, vulnerability, GBV, and violence against women and girls with disabilities.

She emphasized the importance of reporting violence, seeking medical and psychological support, and the role of institutions like CHRAJ, DOVVSU, and the Department of Social Welfare in providing assistance.

Mad. Faustina Awumey, the Volta Regional DOVVSU Coordinator, highlighted the forms of violence PWDs face and the support available from DOVVSU.

She discussed the unit’s role in investigating and prosecuting domestic violence cases and referred clients to legal aid and other stakeholders for help.

Mr. Wisdom Krakani from the Department of Social Welfare discussed the societal barriers faced by PWDs and their rights under the Constitution of Ghana and the Disability Act.

He urged PWDs to assert their rights and report violations to appropriate authorities.

Outcomes and Achievements

The sensitization meeting resulted in enhanced knowledge among PWDs about GBV, reporting mechanisms, and available support services, as well as increased awareness of the rights and responsibilities of PWDs, promises from participants to disseminate the information in their workplaces and communities, reports of improved time consciousness and effective participation facilitated by sign language interpreters and recognition of challenges such as communication barriers with deaf children and the need for more inclusive engagement efforts.

Recommendations

Based on the lessons learned, the following recommendations were made: To assist PWDs of school-going age to attend school, report violence against PWDs to DOVVSU and support victims in seeking healthcare, integrate more PWDs into GBV sensitization efforts, and equip DOVVSU with assistive devices to accommodate the diverse needs of PWDs.

The Transformative Action for Gender Equality project continues to make significant strides in empowering PWDs, promoting their rights, and ensuring their protection against violence and abuse.