The Affirmative Action Law Coalition (AALC) hosted by ABANTU for development has marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a call for a united response to digital violence in Ghana.
In a statement on Tuesday in Accra, the coalition stated that a rise in visible violence against women and girls, often spread online and points to a broader national crisis.
“Viral videos of assaults and harassment show only a fraction of the abuse occurring in homes, workplaces, and communities”, and that digital platforms are increasingly used to attack women in public life. it stated.
“Politicians, journalists, activists, and others face insults, threats, and non-consensual sharing of private content. These actions harm mental health, damage reputations, and deter women from leadership roles and public conversation” it added
The coalition pointed to the Affirmative Action Act of 2024 as a legal tool for protection, noting that section 28(1) of the law criminalizes acts that victimize, intimidate, or use hate speech to obstruct women.
“These provisions apply to online abuse, with penalties including imprisonment or fines” it said.
The AALC stated that violence remains a primary deterrent for women considering leadership. They urged the public, policymakers, and digital platforms to use the 16 Days to increase awareness of the law, enforce its provisions, and recognize digital abuse as a direct threat to women’s participation in democracy.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act, adding that safety for women, both online and offline, is necessary for their full participation in national development.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
