Editorial
Stop abuse of women, children; they must be protected
Violence affects millions of women and children around the world, and poverty unfortunately makes them more vulnerable to a range of everyday forms of violence.
According to statistics one in five girls is sexually abused at least once in her life. Additionally, around 736 million women have at some point in their lives been victims of sexual or physical abuse.
Furthermore, girls under the age of 16 are the victims of up to 50 percent of sexual assaults worldwide.
It is really depressing that assault situations are frequently handled at home and viewed as family matters rather than being reported to the appropriate authorities to address the problems.
The Spectator is opposed to violence against women and children, which is common in most homes but ought to end because these individuals have rights and require protection.
As a result of this, November 25 is celebrated around the world as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (EVAW). It also signifies the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which continues until December 10, International Human Rights Day.
These 16 days offer a specific time frame for action and advocacy. The goal of the yearly campaign is to prevent and end violence against women and children. The theme for this year is “A woman is killed every 10 minutes.” #UniTE to End Violence Against Women #NoExcuse.
It aims to promote a shift in the attitudes, behaviours, and culture that contribute to violence against women and their children. The campaign seeks to permanently eradicate abuse from society and increase awareness of the detrimental effects that violence and abuse have on women and children.
Physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, spiritual, cultural, verbal, and financial abuse are all forms of violence against women and children. In addition, it may involve coersion, threats, denial of freedom, digital or online abuse, forced or child marriages, and female genital mutilation (FGM).
These are human rights abuses that occur daily, repeatedly, and everywhere in the world. They have detrimental short- and long-term effects on women and girls’ physical, economic, and psychological well-being, though they can also target boys, preventing them from fully and equally participating in society.
In order to prevent violence against women and children we can empower women, educate others about gender equality and non-violence, and support their independence and decision-making authority in relationships and public life.
We should also treat all forms of abuse and violence seriously, apprehend those responsible, and punish them severely deter others from committing similar crimes.
We should also take all violence and abuse seriously by arresting perpetrators and dealing severely with them to deter others from engaging in similar acts.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to express my growing concern about the increasing display of adult content on some television stations in the country.
These programmes, often aired during hours when children are most likely to be watching, pose a serious threat to their moral development and general well-being.
Television remains one of the strongest influences on young people, and stations have a responsibility to ensure that their content reflects the values we seek to instil in our society.
Unfortunately, some channels appear to prioritise sensationalism and profit over public safety and decency.
Such content not only exposes children to material they are not prepared to process but also undermines parents’ efforts to guide their behaviour.
I call on the National Media Commission (NMC) and other regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter guidelines to protect viewers, especially minors.
Broadcasters must be reminded of their duty to promote responsible and wholesome programming.
Our airwaves should uplift, educate, and inform — not endanger the moral fabric of the next generation.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
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Dear Editor,
I AM writing to share my thoughts on the ongoing issue at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, which has attracted national attention after the Deputy Attorney General released a statement in court.
The matter is about whether Muslim students are being denied the right to freely practice their religion, and whether they are being compelled to follow practices that go against their faith.
To me, this is not just a legal issue but a question of fairness and respect in our schools.
While the Constitution guarantees every student the right to practice their faith, schools also have traditions and rules that must be respected. As the saying goes, “When you go to Rome, you do what Romans do.” If a teacher is teaching, it is not right for a student to suddenly leave for prayers. That disrupts learning.
Instead, schools should provide a clear time and place for worship, so that students can honour their faith without disturbing academic work. There is time for everything; time to learn, and time to pray.
Wesley Girls SHS can continue to uphold its Methodist heritage while also respecting the rights of Muslim students.
This compromise will protect unity and ensure that our schools remain places of both discipline and inclusion.
Princess Wonovi
Accra
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