Women of Valour 2026: Survivors Proportion Abuse Tales to Fuel National Advocacy

The Women of Valour 2026 initiative was officially launched on February 17, 2026, at the British High Commission residence in Accra, Ghana. The event, themed “The Pursuit of Fearlessness,” centered on raw, firsthand accounts from survivors of domestic abuse, setting a powerful tone for the year’s advocacy campaign. Policymakers, media executives, activists, and survivors gathered to confront the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and to strengthen collaborative pathways for protection and justice.

Key Points

Background: The Genesis of Women of Valour

Women of Valour is a prominent advocacy platform founded by media personality Nana Aba Anamoah. It amplifies the voices of women, particularly survivors of abuse, and mobilizes resources for their support. The initiative has evolved from a storytelling project into a sustained campaign that engages policymakers, law enforcement, and civil society to address systemic gaps in protecting women and girls.

Ghana has legal frameworks like the Domestic Violence Act (Act 732) of 2007 and the established Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) within the Ghana Police Service. However, implementation challenges, cultural stigma, and victim-blaming persist, often silencing survivors. The Women of Valour 2026 launch directly confronts these barriers by placing survivor narratives at the forefront of public and policy discourse.

The Scale of the Issue in Ghana

While comprehensive national statistics on domestic violence can be fragmented, multiple surveys by the Ghana Statistical Service and NGOs indicate that a significant proportion of women experience physical or sexual violence. A 2017 Demographic and Health Survey found that about 28% of women aged 15-49 had experienced physical violence. Underreporting remains a critical issue due to shame, fear of retaliation, and distrust in institutions. Events like the Women of Valour launch are crucial for breaking this silence.

Analysis: The Power and Peril of Survivor Testimonies

The emotional core of the launch was the unfiltered testimonies from survivors. Their stories were not abstract statistics but visceral accounts of trauma, resilience, and the constant peril that can exist behind closed doors—even in relationships perceived as stable or within communities that project a progressive image.

Deconstructing the Survivor Narratives

Musician Diana Hopeson’s account illustrates how abuse can infiltrate a marriage founded on shared religious values. Her experience transitioned from emotional abuse to explicit, credible threats on her life—such as her husband threatening to crash their car into a truck. This underscores a critical point: domestic violence is not always characterized by constant physical blows; it escalates through coercive control, intimidation, and threats that create a perpetual state of fear.

Actor Vicky Zugah’s narrative revealed a pattern of violence across multiple relationships, including physical abuse during pregnancy—a period that should invoke protective instincts but is, tragically, a high-risk time for many women. Her additional pain stemmed from societal victim-blaming, where the failure of the relationship was incorrectly attributed to her, a common and damaging reaction that re-traumatizes survivors and deters others from coming forward.

Both women, despite their public profiles and presumed access to resources, described feeling trapped and terrified. This demolishes the misconception that fame, success, or socioeconomic status immunizes one from abuse. It highlights that the dynamics of power and control are personal, not economic.

The Institutional Response: DOVVSU’s Mandate and Challenges

Director Owusuwaa Kyeremeh of DOVVSU used the platform to assure women and youth that protection mechanisms exist and that the unit is “ready to fight” for them. Her statement—“No matter the status or class of the person involved, report the abuse and it will be dealt with appropriately”—is a vital message aimed at building trust. DOVVSU, operational since 1998, has been a cornerstone of Ghana’s response. However, its effectiveness is often contingent on adequate resources, specialized training for officers, and seamless coordination with the judicial system. The launch serves as a public reminder of its mandate and a call for continued strengthening of these systems.

Reframing the Theme: “The Pursuit of Fearlessness”

Founder Nana Aba Anamoah correctly identified that the courage of survivors directly inspired the 2026 theme. “The Pursuit of Fearlessness” is not about the absence of fear but the decision to act despite it. It targets two primary fears that keep women silent: the fear of judgment and the fear of not being believed. The initiative thus aims to architect “safe spaces”—both physical and social—where these fears are mitigated. This requires a cultural shift, supported by media, religious leaders, families, and institutions, to move from skepticism to solidarity.

Practical Advice: Actionable Steps for Individuals and Communities

Based on the insights from the launch, here is concrete advice for different stakeholders:

For Survivors and Those at Risk

• Document Everything: Keep a private, secure record of incidents (dates, times, descriptions, screenshots, medical reports). This is crucial evidence for legal proceedings.
• Know Your Legal Rights: Familiarize yourself with Ghana’s Domestic Violence Act (Act 732). You have the right to a protection order (restraining order) from the court, which can mandate the abuser to stay away.
• Access Support Services: Contact DOVVSU directly via their hotlines or visit a station. They are mandated to assist. Also, reach out to NGOs like the Ghana Police Service’s DOVVSU, Widows’ Rights International, or Gender Studies and Human Rights Centre for counseling and legal aid.
• Create a Safety Plan: If you are planning to leave, identify a safe place to go (friend’s house, shelter), pack an emergency bag with documents and essentials, and have a code word with trusted contacts to signal danger.
• You Are Not to Blame: The abuse is solely the perpetrator’s choice and responsibility. Society’s questions about your behavior are a form of secondary victimization.

For Bystanders, Friends, and Family

• Believe and Listen: If someone confides in you, believe them. Do not ask “Why didn’t you leave?” or “What did you do to provoke them?” Instead, say “I believe you,” and “This is not your fault.”
• Offer Practical Help: Assist with finding a lawyer, a safe place, or contacting DOVVSU. Provide emotional support without pressure.
• Respect Confidentiality: Do not share their story without explicit permission. Their safety and autonomy are paramount.
• Challenge Harmful Norms: Speak up against jokes, comments, or attitudes that trivialize domestic violence or blame victims.

For Media and Content Creators

• Report Responsibly: Avoid sensationalizing stories. Use survivor-centered language. Do not disclose identities or details that could jeopardize safety without informed consent.
• Amplify Verified Resources: Consistently share DOVVSU contact details, shelter information, and legal rights in your coverage of such issues.
• Hold Power to Account: Use your platform to question authorities on the implementation of domestic violence laws and the adequacy of support services.

FAQ: Common Questions About Women of Valour and Domestic Violence Response

What is the main goal of Women of Valour 2026?

The primary goal is to catalyze a national movement towards “fearlessness” by creating an environment where women and girls can report abuse without fear of stigma or disbelief. It seeks to strengthen collaboration between media, policymakers (like DOVVSU), and activists to improve prevention, response, and support systems.

How can I report domestic violence in Ghana?

You can report to the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service. They have dedicated units in all regional and some district capitals. You can also call national hotlines (often publicized during such events) or go through any police station, which is mandated to refer you to DOVVSU. For immediate danger, call the police emergency number 191.

Does Ghana have laws against domestic violence?

Yes. The Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act 732) is the key legislation. It defines domestic violence broadly (physical, sexual, psychological, economic), provides for protection orders, and mandates the establishment of DOVVSU. There are also related provisions in the Criminal Offences Act and the Constitution guaranteeing the right to life, dignity, and freedom from torture.

What is a protection order and how do I get one?

A protection order is a court order that prohibits an abuser from committing further violence, contacting you, or entering your home. To obtain one, you (or a police officer on your behalf) must apply to a Circuit Court. DOVVSU officers and legal aid organizations can assist with the application process. Breaching a protection order is a criminal offense.

Is the Women of Valour event a one-time thing?

No. The February 2026 launch is the kickoff for a year-long advocacy campaign. The main high-point event on March 7, 2026, in London will bring together international stakeholders to discuss strategies, but the local advocacy, community engagement, and survivor support activities are intended to be sustained throughout the year under the Women of Valour 2026 banner.

Conclusion: From Testimony to Transformation

The Women of Valour 2026 launch was a profound moment of truth-telling in Ghana’s ongoing struggle against domestic violence. By giving a platform to survivors like Diana Hopeson and Vicky Zugah, the initiative moved beyond abstract debate into the lived reality of fear, control, and resilience. Their stories are a stark reminder that abuse knows no boundaries of profession, faith, or social standing.

The theme “The Pursuit of Fearlessness” sets an ambitious standard. Achieving it requires more than annual events; it demands a sustained, multi-sectoral assault on the cultural, legal, and institutional barriers that enable abuse. DOVVSU’s assurances must translate into consistently professional, empathetic, and effective responses. The media must continue to report with sensitivity and rigor. Communities must replace victim-blaming with unwavering support.

As the campaign heads to London in March, the momentum must be harnessed to build safer homes and a more just society in Ghana. The courage of the survivors who spoke on February 17th is a national resource. It is now the responsibility of every institution and individual to honor that courage with action, ensuring that the pursuit of fearlessness leads to tangible safety and dignity for all women and girls.