Acting Ashanti regional head of the Department of Gender, Ama Nyanta Boateng, has called for collective action against gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking at the Asafo VIP Bus Terminal in Kumasi, she emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents and fostering awareness in Ghana's transport sector.

The programme formed part of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, an international campaign that highlights the need to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Partnering with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Department of Gender engaged executives and members of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to address GBV in the transport sector.

Tackling gender-based violence in transport

Madam Boateng highlighted the role transport workers can play in combating GBV. She noted that transport terminals are often sites where harassment, discrimination, and violence occur, yet these issues remain under-reported.

"Transport services are areas where GBV happens, but because of societal norms, people do not consider these acts as violations. Our goal is to make everyone understand that violence in any form is unacceptable and violates basic human rights."

The event educated participants on the various forms of GBV, including sexual harassment, psychological abuse, and discrimination against vulnerable groups like persons with disabilities.

It emphasized the need to create a safe environment for all passengers, regardless of gender or ability.

“We must ensure that passengers, especially women, girls, and persons with disabilities, feel secure when using public transport. They deserve respect and comfort throughout their journeys,” she added.

Encouraging reporting of GBV

The focus of the programme is to encourage victims to report GBV incidents, she said, noting that many cases go unreported because victims fear stigma or are unaware of their rights.

"Victims must know that they have the right to report any form of violence. When we speak out, it allows us to hold perpetrators accountable and protect others from similar experiences,” she explained.

She urged passengers to call hotlines or seek help when they witness or experience abuse.

GPRTU leaders also pledged to educate their members about the importance of reporting and supporting victims.

Persons with disabilities face unique challenges

The event highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the transport sector. The acting Ashanti Regional Head of the Department of Gender noted that disabled women and girls often experience higher rates of abuse and discrimination.

“For example, a disabled woman may struggle to access buses due to a lack of facilities or face verbal abuse when requesting help,” she cited.

The Department of Gender urged transport operators to consider accessibility in their services calling for reserved seats for pregnant women, mothers with infants, and persons with disabilities, similar to practices in some developed countries.

GPRTU's commitment to change

Vice Chairman of GPRTU in the Ashanti Region, Addai Samuel, expressed the union’s readiness to implement lessons from the programme.

He stated that the union will hold follow-up meetings with members to discuss GBV issues and implement new measures to ensure passenger safety.

“This initiative has opened our eyes to the need for gender sensitivity in our operations. We will relay the information to our members and work towards a safer environment for all passengers,” he said.

He added that the GPRTU will work closely with authorities to address complaints and ensure that the campaign against GBV continues beyond the 16 days of activism.

The event is part of ongoing activities in the Ashanti Region to mark the 16 days of activism, which began on November 25 and is expected to end on December 10, 2024. Similar engagements are expected in other parts of the region to broaden the campaign’s reach.