Empowering Change: PureTrust Foundation Takes a Stand Against Gender-Based Violence in Ghana

The PureTrust Foundation, a community-based non-profit organization in Ghana, recently took a significant step forward in the fight against gender-based violence by hosting a forum to commemorate the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event, held at the Tamale Disability Center, brought together various stakeholders, including social welfare staff, artisans, and women smock weavers, to address critical issues affecting women and children in the community. At the heart of the forum was the urgent need for increased protection for vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on women and children exposed to violence and abuse. Participants underscored the crucial role of legal aid, counseling, and support services for victims, making it clear that these resources are essential for fostering a safer environment. The foundation emphasized the importance of education on the rights of women and children, aiming to dismantle the societal norms that perpetuate domestic violence, child abuse, and gender-based violence. The forum's theme, "Gender and Child Protection: Addressing Domestic Violence Through Positive Spousal Communication," highlighted the need for constructive dialogue about relationships. Many discussions revolved around strategies to enhance communication between partners and nurture healthy marriages, which can ultimately lead to safer homes for children. Mad. Dakurah Severa from the Department of Social Welfare shared vital insights into the high divorce rates and broken homes that plague many households, emphasizing the ensuing suffering of women and children. She advocated for targeted education for traditional authorities and men, urging them to foster security and peace for their families. Similarly, Mad. Faidatu Alhassan from the Tamale Development Trust called for the implementation of human rights laws to provide robust protection for women and children against abuse, highlighting that effective legislation must go hand-in-hand with community awareness. Hajia Safia Alhassan, CEO of Pagsung Shea Cooperative, pointed out that education plays a pivotal role in combating violent extremism, asserting that peace in homes and communities can be achieved through informed and engaged citizens. Their collective voices echoed the sentiment that a multifaceted approach is necessary to eradicate the root causes of violence. Mad. Jamila Tahiru, Projects Coordinator at PureTrust Foundation, expressed the foundation's dedication to gender and child protection by providing a safe space for participants to learn, share, and voice their concerns. Many of the women involved in the foundation's programs are young and married, making this forum a crucial opportunity for them to discuss family dynamics and receive guidance on maintaining harmony in their homes. The PureTrust Foundation's broader mission encompasses enhancing social and economic solutions for Ghana's poorest communities, focusing on health, education, economic empowerment, youth development, and water and sanitation. By collaborating with government and civil society organizations, the foundation aims to influence policy and improve the enforcement of laws that protect vulnerable groups. Through ongoing skills training and support programs, the PureTrust Foundation continues to empower women apprentices while working diligently to improve living conditions and educational access for women and children throughout Ghana. The forum served as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to creating a society where women and children can thrive free from violence, and it stands as a beacon of hope for many in the community.