AFFIRMATIVE ACTION LAW COALITION
MARKS THE 2025 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM: CALLS FOR STRONGER ACTION TO END
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
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The Affirmative Action Law Coalition (AALC) joins the world to mark the 2025 16 Days of Activism
Against Gender-Based Violence, under the theme: “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All
Women and Girls.”
In recent months, Ghana has witnessed a disturbing rise in violence against women and girls both
online and offline. While digital platforms have exposed alarming incidents of online harassment,
sexualised attacks, threats, and public humiliation, they have also brought to light cases of
physical violence that previously occurred in silence. Viral videos of women being assaulted in
public spaces, recordings of intimate partner abuse, and widely shared incidents of humiliation
are not isolated events; they are simply what digital technology allows us to see. These online
exposures remind us that for every case captured on camera, countless others happen behind
closed doors. Violence is not only happening on our screens: women and girls are suffering in
homes, workplaces, schools, and communities across the country. What we see online is only the
surface of a much deeper national crisis. This year’s 16 Days of Activism underscores the urgent
need to confront all forms of violence both digital and physical, and work collectively to end
them.
As Ghana encourages more women to take up leadership roles and speak on national issues,
digital violence is now being used to discourage and tear them down. Women from all walks of
life be it politicians, journalists, professionals, activists, students, and even ordinary social media
users are being attacked online through insults, harassment, threats, doctored videos, blackmail,
and the sharing of private images without their consent. These attacks are not harmless. They
damage reputations, affect mental health, and make many women afraid to speak publicly or get
involved in leadership. What happens online has real consequences, and it is pushing many
women and girls out of the conversations and spaces where their voices are needed. Digital
violence is therefore not just an online problem. It is a human rights issue and a threat to inclusive
democracy.
The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act Provides Protection
The Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121) offers strong legal protection for
women who experience digital abuse. Section 28(1) of Act 1121 makes it an offence to:
• Victimise, intimidate, or obstruct women in ways that undermine their participation.
• Use gender-based hate speech, stereotyping, or harsh rhetoric.
• Disqualify or attempt to silence women because of their gender.
These protections apply equally to online behaviour, meaning perpetrators of digital abuse can
face imprisonment or fines.
National Call to Action During These 16 Days
Violence is one of the major reasons many women hesitate to enter politics or leadership roles.
If Ghana wants more women in Parliament, district assemblies, media leadership, boardrooms,
and community governance, we must ensure their safety both online and offline.
During these 16 Days, the AALC urges the public, policymakers, media, civil society, digital
platform owners and all stakeholders to:
• Promote awareness of the legal protections under Act 1121.
• Enforce Section 28(1) of Act 1121 to hold perpetrators of gender-based violence
accountable.
• Recognise digital violence as a barrier to women’s leadership and democratic
participation.
• Support and protect women leaders, activists, and professionals targeted online.
As the world embarks on these 16 Days of Activism, the Affirmative Action Law Coalition reaffirms
its commitment to advocating for the full implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender
Equity) Act and promoting safer spaces for women in all spheres of life. When women feel safe
online and offline, they participate more fully in national development, strengthening Ghana’s
democracy.
Signed
Sheila Minkah Premo Esq.
Convenor
On Behalf of the Affirmative Action Law Coalition
