FIDA condemns attack on Hip-Life artiste

Accra, Oct 11, GNA - The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on Tuesday condemned a recent attack on Hip-Life artiste, Miz Bell by students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) saying it was a violation of human rights. A statement signed by Ms Ursula Owusu, Vice President of FIDA, said: "The actions by these students not only amount to gross violation of Miz Bell's human rights to dignity, safety and security of her person, but also an action calculated to debase womanhood."

The statement said it was most unfortunate that university students, who were expected to exhibit maturity and a higher standard of conduct, could send such wrong signal to the youth, which could encourage acts to demean women in the society.

"As an organisation that advocates for the enhancement of the status of women in our society, we believe that this action must be strongly condemned and all efforts must be channelled towards apprehending the culprits", it said.

The statement said female musicians were few in the country and as such an atmosphere devoid of intimidation and fear was needed to nurture the talent of the few.

It said despite persistent advocacy to eradicate all forms of bias and violence against women, cases of defilement, rape and domestic violence were still on the increase.

FIDA also appealed to the University authorities to appropriately sanction the culprits to avoid recurrence. Students allegedly manhandled Miz Bell a fortnight ago when she performed at the University.