AWDF sensitises women on date rape

African Women Development Fund (AWDF) in partnership with the Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) of the University of Ghana, has held a panel discussion to sensitise women on Date Rape on university campuses.

Date rape is a form of acquaintance rape and it specifically refers to a rape in which there has been some sort of romantic or potentially sexual relationship between the two parties.

The programme dubbed: “About Last Night” discussed date rape, sexual harassment, relationships on campuses and what they mean, as well as women lifting their voices and discussing their experiences.

The discussion was preceded by the screening of a documentary - The Hunting Ground - a documentary on rape on campuses in the United States.

The event, which was to commemorate the International Women’s Day, was attended by students of the University of Ghana, SOS- Hermann Gmeiner International College in Tema and other women empowerment activists.

Ms Amba Mpoke-Bigg, the Communications and Fundraising Specialist of AWDF, said date rape was prevalent on university campuses both internationally and locally.

She said this had received a lot of attention and there was the need to address the challenge and enlighten both sexes.

Ms Jessica Horn, the Director of Programmes of AWDF, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the AWDF discussed various topics every year to commemorate the International Women’s Day.

She said this year’s discussion on date rape on university campuses was to gather young people to share their experiences and enlighten them to boost their confidence levels to be able to report such abuses.

She urged young women to get involved in women activist programmes and stand for their right.

Miss Annette A. A. Amoa, a student of the SOS International College, said the discussion had enlightened her to be more alert about issues touching on relationships.

She appealed to men to learn to understand women and not to engage in acts that would be injurious to the health of women just to satisfy their personal desires.

Miss Yasmine Kudowor, also a student of the College, called on women to stand as one and support each other and avoid acts that they would later regret.

The African Women’s Development Fund is a grant making foundation which supports local, national and regional women’s organisations in Africa working towards the promotion and achievements of women’s rights.

The AWDF, on the other hand, believes that through creative works and discussions, negative stereotypes of women and girls can be changed.