FIDA-Ghana condemns attacks on women in leadership

FIDA-Ghana says the increasing verbal abuse and threat of reprisal to sexual harassment and rape stand against the very tenets of human rights principles enshrined in International human rights treaties that Ghana is signatory to. 

It called on Ghanaians to respect and uphold the rule of law and ensure that perpetrators of such violent actions are punished to send a strong signal that such impunity will not be condoned. 

It said this will assure women that their right to safety and life will not be compromised  in the pursuit of their work. 

As much as FIDA Ghana does not condone mediocrity, it believes women in leadership can be objectively criticised instead of receiving threatening, denigrating and malicious abuses.

It reminded Ghanaians that, women in many professions have proved their mettle and expertise and indeed have achieved important milestones. 

It described such violent attacks as intended to demoralize both budding  female politicians and seasoned female leaders from participating in public office as well as deny women of their civil and political rights.

FIDA-Ghana therefore called for a national dialogue to raise awareness of violence against women in public offices, which is slowly becoming a norm of politicking. 

It added that Ghana's democracy must provide the right environment for women's human rights to grow and blossom.

GBC