Ghana Gender Ministry Launches 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: Combating Digital Threats to Women and Girls

Introduction

In a bold move to tackle persistent gender-based violence (GBV) in Ghana, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) officially launched the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Held on November 25, 2025, at Kaneshie Market in Accra, the event brought together income partners, civil society organizations, transport entrepreneurship leaders, and members of the public. This annual global initiative, aligned with the United Nations’ UNiTE campaign, runs from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).

The 2025 theme, “Unite! End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” spotlights the growing menace of online abuse, including cyberbullying, image-based sexual abuse, and sextortion. Gender Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey delivered the keynote address, underscoring alarming national statistics and new policy advancements. This launch not only amplifies advocacy but also fosters community action to protect women and girls from all forms of violence, both physical and digital.

Why This Campaign Matters for Ghana

Gender-based violence remains a critical public health and human rights issue in Ghana. By focusing on digital threats, the campaign addresses how technology has amplified traditional GBV forms, making education and intervention timely and essential.

Analysis

The launch of the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by Ghana’s MoGCSP represents a strategic pivot toward technology-facilitated GBV. Traditional domestic violence persists, as evidenced by the 2016 Domestic Violence Survey, which reported that 27.7% of Ghanaian women aged 15-49 have experienced at least one form of domestic violence since age 15. Additionally, 32% of girls aged 15-24 believe wife-beating is justified under certain circumstances, reflecting entrenched harmful social norms.

Digital violence against women and girls (VAWG) introduces new challenges. Cyberbullying involves repeated online harassment, while image-based sexual abuse—often called “revenge porn”—entails non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Sextortion, where perpetrators threaten to release compromising material unless demands are met, exploits digital platforms’ reach. Dr. Lartey highlighted these as “new frontiers” requiring coordinated responses.

Key Drivers of Digital GBV

• Increased Online Presence: Women’s growing digital engagement exposes them to targeted abuse.
• Anonymity and Reach: Social media enables perpetrators to harass victims nationwide or globally without immediate repercussions.
• Social Norms: Cultural attitudes tolerating violence offline often spill into online spaces.

The campaign’s transport sector partnership innovatively disseminates information, leveraging public buses for widespread awareness. Training over 200 digital tools executives as paralegals and mobilizing 100+ volunteers further builds survivor support networks. This multifaceted approach analyzes GBV holistically, blending policy, education, and community mobilization.

Summary

Ghana’s MoGCSP launched the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Kaneshie Market, Accra, on November 25, 2025. Under the theme “Unite! End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” the event featured Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey’s keynote on GBV statistics, policy updates, and initiatives like transport partnerships and volunteer training. Supported by UNFPA, it culminates in nationwide actions, with a toll-free hotline (0800 111 222) for reporting abuse.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Participating in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence empowers individuals to combat GBV effectively. Here’s actionable guidance rooted in the campaign’s focus.

How to Report Gender-Based Violence

1. Dial the MoGCSP toll-free hotline: 0800 111 222 for confidential support.
2. Document incidents: Save screenshots, messages, or evidence safely.
3. Seek local support: Contact police Domestic Violence and Victim Support Units (DOVVSU).

Preventing Digital Violence Against Women and Girls

• Privacy Settings: Adjust social media to private; limit friend requests from unknowns.
• Secure Sharing: Avoid sending intimate images; use apps with disappearing messages.
• Report Abuse: Use platform tools (e.g., Twitter/X block/report, Facebook safety checks).
• Educate Youth: Discuss online risks with girls aged 15-24, countering norms like wife-beating justification.
• Transport Awareness: Look for campaign materials on buses; share learnings with commuters.

Getting Involved

Join community events, volunteer as a paralegal, or advocate online using #16DaysGhana or #EndDigitalVAWG.

Points of Caution

While engaging in activism, exercise vigilance to avoid unintended harms.

Risks in Digital Spaces

• False Reporting: Only report verified incidents to prevent misuse of resources.
• Victim Retraumatization: Share stories sensitively; obtain consent for public advocacy.
• Online Backlash: Activists may face harassment; use anonymous accounts if needed.
• Data Privacy: When training as paralegals, handle survivor info confidentially per Ghanaian data laws.

Community Engagement Warnings

Avoid vigilante actions; rely on official channels like the hotline. Monitor children’s online activity without invading privacy.

Comparison

Ghana’s 2025 campaign builds on prior years while adapting to digital realities.

Vs. Previous Ghana Campaigns

Past editions focused on physical GBV like domestic abuse. 2025 uniquely emphasizes digital VAWG, introducing transport integrations absent before. Volunteer scaling (200 paralegals, 100+ supporters) exceeds typical efforts.

Global Context: UNiTE 16 Days

Ghana aligns with global standards but localizes via market launches and policy ties.

Legal Implications

The campaign ties directly to legal advancements in Ghana.

Policy and Legislative Updates

• Revised National Domestic Violence Policy: Cabinet-approved, enhancing prevention and response frameworks.
• Domestic Abuse Bill and Legislative Instrument: Confirmed progress, aiming to criminalize emerging abuses like sextortion explicitly.
• Existing Laws: Domestic Violence Act (Act 732, 2007) covers physical/emotional harm; Electronic Transactions Act (2008) addresses cybercrimes.

These imply stronger enforcement during the 16 days, with paralegals aiding prosecutions. Victims can pursue remedies under these statutes, ensuring accountability.

Conclusion

The MoGCSP’s 2025 launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence marks a pivotal step in Ghana’s fight against GBV, particularly digital threats to women and girls. By uniting stakeholders, leveraging transport networks, and advancing policies, it promotes a safer society. Sustained action beyond December 10 is crucial—report via 0800 111 222, educate communities, and advocate relentlessly. Together, Ghana can dismantle harmful norms and protect every woman and girl.

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