Kumasi: Ms Bashiratu Kamal, the Lead of the Young Feminist Project, has condemned justifications by some sexual offenders that one's dressing and appearance can be a bait for harassment. She emphasized that individuals have the right to choose attire they consider 'decent' and appropriate for various occasions. Addressing a session of General Agricultural Workers and students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, she urged for thorough resolutions in cases of sexual harassment, asserting that offenders should not be spared.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement was part of the Young Feminist Project, implemented by the Center for Social Justice with support from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. The project aims to correct misconceptions about feminism and influence policy change by enhancing the capabilities of young feminists, particularly in social media spaces, to ultimately achieve gender equity.
Ms Kamal discussed various forms of violence and harassment, noting that anyone, regardless of gender, could experience them. She emphasized the importance of preventing gender-based violence through structured systems. These systems include tackling gender inequalities, conducting campaigns and advocacy, implementing effective policies and complaint procedures, and ensuring perpetrator accountability.
Furthermore, she highlighted the need for prevention and risk assessments, encouraging everyone to actively participate in ending gender-based violence. She stressed that appropriate authorities should provide support for victims and survivors.
Ms Erica Adwoa Yeboah Ajei, Project Coordinator at the Center for Social Justice, explained that this year, the Young Feminist Project would adopt an interconnected approach to challenge harmful social norms and address power and resource imbalances. The project will also scrutinize economic models that exploit the labor of women and exacerbate chronic inequalities based on gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, and sexual orientation.
She pointed out that these issues fuel gender inequality and violate women's bodily integrity and economic rights. Strengthening movements of young women, she noted, could collectively dismantle harmful gender-based violence and practices.