The Champions of Change Project: Collective Resilient Action Against SGBV, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by PureTrust Foundation LBG, has been launched in Tamale, Ghana. This six-month campaign, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by GIZ Ghana’s S(HE) project, alongside the Vibrant Village Foundation and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, seeks to dismantle the deeply rooted patriarchal systems that perpetuate inequality and gender-based violence against women and girls in the Northern and Savannah Regions of Ghana. The project will employ a multi-faceted approach, encompassing grassroots mobilization, digital outreach, and inclusive dialogue to foster gender resilience and ignite community-led advocacy for transformative change.
The project’s interventions will be concentrated in the Bole and North Gonja Districts of the Savannah Region, as well as the Tamale Metropolis and Sagnarigu Municipality of the Northern Region. By engaging with local communities, the project aims to achieve a significant shift in harmful attitudes towards gender-based violence, enhance access to protection and support services for survivors, and promote the financial empowerment of women. This comprehensive strategy acknowledges the interconnectedness of social, economic, and cultural factors in perpetuating gender-based violence and seeks to address these issues holistically.
The community-driven nature of the Champions of Change project is a defining feature, emphasizing the critical role of local ownership in achieving sustainable change. Local leaders are encouraged to make public commitments to eradicate SGBV within their communities, signifying a collective responsibility in upholding the rights and safety of women and girls. Furthermore, the project encourages Community Foundations to prioritize gender justice within their grant-making processes, directing resources towards initiatives that address the root causes of gender inequality and empower women. The recognition of “Champions of Change” advocates with a symbolic “badge of honour” serves to celebrate and encourage individual contributions to this crucial cause.
The launch event highlighted the urgency and gravity of the issue, emphasizing the devastating impact of SGBV on survivors and the need for collective action. Madam Jamila Tahiru, Projects Coordinator at PureTrust Foundation LBG, underscored the collaborative spirit of the initiative, drawing attention to the global prevalence of gender-based violence as highlighted by a UN Women report indicating that one in four women worldwide experience such violence. This statistic emphasizes the widespread nature of the problem and the need for concerted global efforts to address it.
Mr. Inusah Iddrisu, Principal Public Education Officer and Investigator at CHRAJ’s Northern Regional Office, reiterated the importance of protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women, girls, and persons with disabilities. He stressed the detrimental consequences of failing to protect these individuals, especially when perpetrators, often including family members, evade accountability. His call for greater support for rural women farmers in accessing land for agribusiness highlights the economic dimension of gender inequality and the need to empower women economically to enhance their overall well-being and autonomy.
Hajia Lamnatu, Executive Director of Songtaba, poignantly described the emotional and psychological scars inflicted by SGBV on survivors. She condemned the pervasive patriarchal norms that silence the voices of women and girls, hindering their participation in societal development. Her characterization of SGBV as a national crisis demanding urgent intervention underscores the profound impact of this issue on individuals, families, and communities. Mr. Habib Haruna, Chief Executive Officer of PureTrust Foundation LBG, reaffirmed the organization’s broader commitment to promoting economic security and social inclusion for marginalized populations. He outlined PureTrust’s role in providing communities with advocacy support, technical guidance, and capacity-building tools to facilitate sustainable resource mobilization and development.
The Champions of Change initiative holds significant promise as a model for community-based action against gender-based violence. By empowering citizens to take ownership of the fight for equality and justice, the project aims to create a ripple effect of positive change, fostering a culture of respect, safety, and empowerment for women and girls. The project’s emphasis on collaboration, community engagement, and addressing the root causes of gender inequality provides a comprehensive framework for tackling this complex issue. Through its multifaceted approach, the Champions of Change project seeks to create a more just and equitable society where women and girls can thrive free from violence and discrimination. The project’s long-term vision is to build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for all. By investing in the empowerment of women and challenging harmful social norms, the Champions of Change project aims to leave a lasting legacy of positive change in Ghana and beyond.
