The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) recently organised a four-day sensitisation programme in Kumasi, Ghana, focused on human rights, gender equality and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The workshop brought together civil society actors for discussions aimed at strengthening their understanding of key human rights and gender-related issues. The programme was facilitated by professionals from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
The Kumasi engagement was organised in two sessions, with the first group participating on Monday and Tuesday, followed by a second group on Wednesday and Thursday. The training covered a range of key areas, including gender, human rights, discrimination, women’s rights and sexual and gender-based violence. Participants explored the concept of gender and the distinction between sex and gender, as well as the influence of social and gender norms on people’s roles, expectations and opportunities.
The sessions on human rights examined the meaning and scope of fundamental rights, the responsibilities of the state in protecting and promoting human rights, and the relationship between culture and women’s rights. Attention was also drawn to discrimination and the importance of identifying and addressing practices that undermine equality and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights. The training was facilitated by a team of professionals, including Joy Debrah, Ambrose Cori and Elias Mane from CHRAJ, and Flora Mudey, Juliet Simpey and Abdul Fatawu Mahama from NCCE.
The workshop also focused on sexual and gender-based violence, with participants discussing the meaning, causes and effects of SGBV, as well as the legal and institutional frameworks relevant to prevention, protection and response. The discussions emphasised the importance of awareness and prevention, as well as the need for appropriate responses to sexual and gender-based violence within communities and institutions.
The programme concluded with an evaluation and closing remarks, giving participants the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge and lessons gained during the four-day engagement. The Kumasi programme forms part of GIZ’s broader engagements in Ghana aimed at supporting human rights, gender equality and civil society initiatives. Through its work with government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and other partners, GIZ supports a range of development and international cooperation programmes in the country.
The sensitisation programme is expected to provide participants with greater awareness and understanding of issues surrounding human rights, gender equality and sexual and gender-based violence, while strengthening their ability to engage with these issues in their respective areas of work. The programme is part of GIZ’s efforts to support the development of a more equitable and just society in Ghana.
By engaging with civil society actors, GIZ aims to promote a culture of human rights, gender equality and respect for the dignity of all individuals in Ghana. The programme is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many Ghanaians.
Key points
- The GIZ sensitisation programme aims to strengthen the understanding of human rights and gender-related issues among civil society actors in Ghana.
- The programme covered key areas, including gender, human rights, discrimination, women’s rights and sexual and gender-based violence.
- The programme is part of GIZ’s broader engagements in Ghana aimed at supporting human rights, gender equality and civil society initiatives.
