FOSDA advocates removal of retrogressive cultural practices against women

The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), has observed that the long struggle against ending all forms of violence against women could be achieved if certain aspects of the country’s culture are altered.

“We should not seek to end violence against women based on a knee-jerk approach but rather a systematic engagements with opinion (traditional) leaders with the view to addressing retrogressive cultures that tend to denigrate women’s rights while promoting male chauvinism.”

This was contained in a press statement issued by FOSDA on Friday by Abubakar Siddique Salifu, the Communication Officer of the Foundation to mark International Women’s Day.

It noted that although state institutions like the Domestic Violence and Victim’s Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service and the Judiciary have made strides in prosecuting perpetrators of violence against women, much needs to be done especially in the rural areas where most of the act are shielded by certain retrogressive cultures.

“Perhaps the strongest form of weapon against such perpetrators who commits such dastardly acts is to ensure that there is no safe haven for them to hide in their culture whenever they violate women’s rights,” the statement.

Ending impunity at the community level FOSDA says is key to stopping rape, physical abuse and other forms of violence against women, adding: “We should be able to walk the talk.”

The statement called for stronger women’s voice in decision making and continued grassroots engagements to ensure that retrogressive cultures, which militate against their rights are addressed.