Some OBR members with some women
One Billion Rising (OBR) Ghana, a movement that provides a platform for women to speak out against injustice, particularly gender-based violence (GBV), has marked its eighth anniversary with a renewed call for stronger action to protect women and girls.
Over the past eight years, the movement has organised sensitisation programmes across various parts of the country aimed at educating communities and helping to end the exploitation and abuse of women and girls.
This year’s activities, which coincided with the commemoration of Valentine’s Day, were held in the Bono Region. Community members, particularly women and schoolchildren from the Buadan community, gathered at Awisa M/A, Wuropo M/A Basic Schools and the Presbyterian School to participate in the events.
As part of the programme, the organisation donated assorted items including sanitary pads, hand creams, clothes, dresses, shoes, school bags, handbags, soaps, drinks and biscuits to participants.
Speaking at the event, Country Director of One Billion Rising Ghana, Vickenzie Gifty Offei, highlighted the theme for this year’s celebration, “Our Bodies, Our Earth, Our Future,” and reiterated the movement’s commitment to ending rape, abuse and all forms of violence against women and girls.
“Violence against women knows no borders,” she said, noting that many survivors continue to suffer in silence due to stigma and fear.
She explained that this year’s theme connects bodily autonomy to environmental justice and future sustainability, stressing the need for collective action to address gender-based violence.
“We rise to say enough is enough. We rise against abuse. We rise to embrace our uniqueness and empower one another to live authentically,” she stated.
Offei added that Valentine’s Day should go beyond celebrations of romance and serve as an opportunity for women to demand dignity, justice and freedom from abuse.
She emphasised that OBR Ghana provides a safe platform for women to speak openly about injustices experienced in homes, schools, workplaces, religious institutions and cultural spaces.
“Too many people suffer in silence. Too many lives are lost because voices were never heard,” she said, urging women to seek support and stand in solidarity with one another.
Reflecting on the movement’s growth in Ghana since 2018, she noted that the annual gathering continues to strengthen solidarity among women and allies while promoting healing and collective advocacy.
“Together, we rise. Together, we heal. Together, we create a world where every woman can live free, safe and whole,” she added.
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com