UNFPA and GPRTU Join Forces to Combat Gender-Based Violence in Western Region

In a groundbreaking collaboration to tackle gender-based violence (GBV), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has partnered with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. The initiative, which marks the 2024 edition of “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” seeks to address violence in Ghana’s transport sector through awareness, education, and actionable strategies.

The campaign, titled “16 Routes, 16 Stations,” was organized at the bustling Takoradi Main Terminal, providing a vibrant backdrop for engagement with drivers, passengers, hawkers, and conductors.

This innovative setting allowed stakeholders to openly discuss the pressing issue of violence, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by women and girls in the transport system.

Western Regional Chairman for GPRTU, Mr. Joseph Simmons Cudjoe highlighted the multifaceted nature of violence, explaining, “Violence comes in various forms: verbal, physical, financial, psychological, emotional, and others.” He urged drivers to adopt respectful communication with passengers and called for heightened vigilance to report human trafficking cases, which remain a growing concern in the Western Region.

Passengers were also encouraged to act as watchdogs, ensuring they reported any observed acts of violence or trafficking. “It’s important for passengers to learn how to communicate decently with drivers to avoid conflicts,” Mr. Cudjoe added, underscoring the mutual responsibility of drivers and passengers in fostering a safe transport environment.

The symbolic theme, “16 Routes, 16 Stations,” was lauded by stakeholders as a model of innovation. “This partnership between UNFPA and GPRTU is powerful,” said Mr. Cudjoe. “It has the potential to reach millions of Ghanaians and significantly curb human trafficking and gender-based violence.”

The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Madam Maribel Okai, commended the GPRTU drivers in the Western Region for their proactive role in reporting human trafficking cases. She acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts in combating gender-based violence and encouraged the continuation of collaborative efforts to enhance protection for vulnerable populations.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of community participation in eradicating GBV. By engaging key players in Ghana’s transport system, the initiative seeks to create a ripple effect, spreading awareness and fostering behavioural change. With support from UNFPA, the partnership aims to not only address immediate concerns but also establish long-term solutions for a safer transport ecosystem.

As the “16 Days of Activism” unfolds, the partnership between UNFPA, GPRTU, and the Gender Ministry serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how collective action can address deep-seated societal issues. Through education, awareness, and active intervention, this initiative aims to make Ghana’s transport system a safer space for all, particularly women and girls.

By: Portia Cudjoe