FULL TEXT Welcome Speech at MFWA Forum on Countering Online Gender-Based Violence in Ghana: From Evidence to Action.
By: Daniel Kwame Ampofo Adjei, Ph.D., PMP.
Institutional Development and MEL Manager, MFWA
Date: Thursday April 3, 2025 @Alisa Hotel in Accra.
I am delighted to welcome you all to this important public forum on Countering
Online Gender-Based Violence in Ghana: From Evidence to Action. It is an honor
to have such a distinguished gathering of policymakers, female politicians, civil
society actors, digital rights advocates, and development partners, all committed to
addressing the urgent issue of online gender-based violence (OGBV).
While the digital age offers incredible opportunities for political engagement, many
female politicians in Ghana continue to face significant barriers, including digital
illiteracy and, most critically, cyber harassment. The 16% gender gap in mobile
internet access, coupled with a hostile online environment, discourages many women
from fully leveraging social media for political visibility, ultimately contributing to
their underrepresentation in governance. As UNESCO rightly states, “An open internet
is essential to free expression, yet women are disproportionately silenced by online
abuse.” If we truly believe in democracy and equality, we must ensure that digital
platforms empower rather than intimidate women in politics.
Today’s forum is a call to action. Together, we will raise awareness, explore strategies
for safe and effective digital engagement, advocate for stronger policies, and promote
collaboration to create a secure online space for women in politics. As UN Women
reminds us, “Freedom of speech is a human right, and the internet is its greatest
enabler. But it must not become a platform for abuse.” Our challenge is to strike a
balance between protecting free expression and ensuring that online spaces do not
become tools for silencing voices through harassment and intimidation.
I am deeply grateful to our distinguished speakers, whose insights will guide us
discussions. I encourage each of you to participate actively, share your experiences,
and contribute to practical solutions that will empower women to engage in politics
without fear of online abuse.
Once again, welcome, and let us work together to make our digital space safer, fairer,
and more inclusive for all.
Thank you