Chief Imam launches Human Rights Defenders Project

Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, National Chief Imam, has launched the Human Rights Defenders Project in Accra to speak against the violation of women and children’s rights.

The project, to be under the supervision of the National Chief Imam, would be organizing periodic visits to schools to enlighten and educate students on their basic human rights, and advance women’s engagement in national and domestic matters.

It would also organise public debates, quizzes and competitions on human rights and gender issues.

Sheikh Sharubutu whose speech was read for him, said the project would seek to address some of the wrongly misquoted religious texts used in the campaign for male dominance and power over women that promote gender inequality, such as justified violence and mistreatment of women.

He said the project would also bring together defenders of human rights, particularly religious-oriented people, to advocate for the human rights of women and girls.

“The Human Rights Defenders Project would facilitate the promotion of greater women’s involvement in the home, communal and national discourse, consultations and efforts to find solutions to conflicts, public disorder and other social problems,” he said.

Sheikh Sharubutu also announced his intention to lead a delegation of Muslim leaders, to participate in the International Conference on Women and Girls Human Rights at the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, starting from February 6 to 16..

The Conference would be discussing issues relating to ending violence.