GenCED LAUNCHES RESEARCH REPORTS ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN POLITICS
The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has launched a research report on violence against Ghanaian women in politics parties in Ghana cuts across party lines.
The findings clearly show that 9 out of 10 women reported having experienced a form of violence within their political parties with
verbal abuse as the most prevalent form of violence against women within political parties.
It cited that whatsApp emerged as the most frequently cited platform where such abuse occurs adding that there is a critical gap in reporting systems, with half of respondents surveyed stating their parties lack internal mechanisms to address violence against women.
The survey brought about some concerns,pointing to the fact that these and several factors have led to the many women retreating or limiting their interactions as a way to prevent violence.
The group alluded that the findings highlight the forms, nature, and impact of the violence women face in political spaces and document how these experiences undermine their political aspirations, limit representation, and perpetuate gender inequality.
The report also provides actionable recommendations for political parties, including:Establishing independent complaints committees and enforcing strong reporting mechanisms.
GenCED believes that ending violence against women in political parties is necessary to strengthen Ghana’s democracy and therefore calls on all stakeholders especially political parties to act with urgency in addressing this phenomenon to ensure women’s full participation.
