Workshop empowers women and girls on sexual health rights & protection

An empowerment workshop was held in Gbambu, Gushegu Municipality (Northern Region), bringing together women, young girls, and single mothers to deepen their knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), prevention of sexual violence, and bodily autonomy.

Organised by the Pan‑African Organisation for Research and Protection (PAORP) with support from the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), the session engaged 20 participants from the local community.

Sessions included:

• An overview of forms and causes of sexual violence (such as child marriage, trafficking, and the “Kayaye” phenomenon) was led by Mr DOVVSU Sunday of the Department of Social Welfare. He stressed that education remains one of the strongest protections against abuse and affirmed that “marriage does not give any man ownership over a woman’s body.”
• A talk by Mr Mohammed Fatawu Hamid of the Ghana Health Service promoting SRHR awareness, including family planning, menstrual hygiene management, and open family dialogue on reproductive health.
• Guidance from Mr Daniel Ediem of the Ghana Police Service on self-protection, recognising abuse, and accessing help through the hotlines 191, 18555 or DOVVSU on 0800 111 222. He reminded attendees that spousal rape is legally punishable and encouraged survivors to seek support.

Participants voiced concerns about interference from some local leaders in sexual-violence cases and called for more community-wide awareness efforts, especially in rural areas. They commended PAORP and AWDF and requested further educational sessions to help women and girls protect their rights.

The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation that SRHR are fundamental human rights and that raising awareness, educating communities, and ensuring accountability are vital to building safer and fairer societies.