Kedzikope, Keta, Volta Region, Ghana — On December 7, 2022, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and the Fisheries Commission, in partnership with the United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), held a durbar to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a global campaign which seeks to end violence against women and girls. 

The durbar, attended by fishers; community leaders; and government representatives from Keta and surrounding areas; included, a procession of about 400 residents marching through the principal streets of Keta displaying placards of messages to raise awareness of GBV, and calling for action to end violence against women and girls. USAID Economic Growth Office Director, Paul Pleva; Hon. Chief Executive for Keta Municipality, Emmanuel Gemegah; Chief of Keta, Togbui James Ocloo; the Director of the Marine Division for the Fisheries Commission, Bordah Quayson, and the Catholic Priest of Keta delivered remarks at the event. 

Speaking on this year’s theme, “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”, Mr. Pleva underscored the important roles communities and community leaders play in ending gender-based violence: “Your help in identifying solutions in working with your community is critical.” He further made a call to action to all stakeholders; “I encourage you to take action. Be an advocate, a helper, and a voice against abuse.”  

Violence against women and girls is a global pandemic, affecting one in three women in their lifetime. According to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection approximately 48 percent of Ghanaian women and girls have been sexually abused, and 32 percent of Ghanaian women have faced at least one form of domestic violence. A recent USAID-funded assessment highlighted that sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment is common in Ghana’s fishing sector and represents a major threat to women’s and girls’ welfare. Dwindling fish catches and the acceptance of financial abuse between fishermen and women financiers of fish expeditions leads to high levels of indebtedness, further exacerbating violence against women. 

About USAID

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential.  USAID’s work advances an integrated approach to development.  It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development.