Be bold and report abuses – Vicky Hammah to women

The Executive Director of Progressive Organisation for Womens’ Advancement (POWA), Victoria Hammah, has entreated women to gather the courage and report cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities for culprits to be dealt with accordingly instead of keeping mute for fear of being victimized.

Speaking at the second edition of the Powa Forum held at British Council Hall, Accra, Monday, Ms. Hammah mentioned that although there are loopholes in Ghana’s judicial system which may lead to a suspect being freed, “the situation is made worse by backward sociocultural outlook; thus, women lack the will, courage and the confidence to assist when prosecution is crucial”; hence, the need for women to “come out boldly to report abuses of such kind.”

She suggested that “In situations where the women are not able to assist in prosecution, the police must dedicate its efforts at publishing the name and faces of these shameless men and the media must take a responsible position in this regard. This will in no mean measure protect other women from such criminals."

Using herself as an example, Hammah recounted launching the ‘Save Ghana Women’ campaign to ‘expose’ one Faith Mensah Tekpor who she said, drugged her in an attempt to rape and blackmail her.

She however expressed disappointment “at the lack of seriousness the Police Service has attached to the matter as well as the unwarranted sensationalism the media has given to a matter of this serious nature which borders on the security and dignity of Ghanaian women.”

That notwithstanding, the former Minister reiterated that women should report violations of their rights to prevent others from becoming victims.

Hammah further encouraged women participation in politics, stressing that the notion that the “women’s place is limited to the domestic realm as well as the generally held view that politics is a dirty game and not suitable for women” should be challenged.

Below is her full speech