AfriYAN Ghana engages in Community Rally to Raise Awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at Peki-Volta Region

As part of the Rallying against Violence project, supported by KGL Foundation, AfriYAN Ghana held a significant community rally that took place in Peki in the Volta Region of Ghana

The rally aimed at raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence (GBV). This initiative was designed to reduce the incidence of GBV across five communities—Peki-Dzake, Avetile, Blengo, Dogbatsi and Wudome—while creating a safe and supportive environment for reporting and addressing GBV in the Volta region of Ghana.

Objectives of the RaV Project

The RaV project, which runs until November 2023, seeks to improve access to information and essential services for 1,000 vulnerable women and victims of GBV. By collaborating with key stakeholders in the adolescent and youth health and development sectors, the project aims to foster a culture of safety and support within the target communities of South Dayi.

Rally Activities

The Peki communities rally featured active participation from young people, churches, traditional authorities, and other key community members. Participants marched through the principal streets of Peki communities, carrying placards with important messages about Gender Based Violence. Music was also used to draw attention and engage the local population.

A central point in the township served as the gathering spot, where participants received education on GBV and listened to solidarity messages from invited guests. Simultaneously, members of the AfriYAN team visited nearby houses and shops to distribute Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) and Behavior Change Communication (BCC) materials. These team members also conducted brief educational sessions on GBV.

In addition, the rally was supported by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), and the Department of Social Welfare. These organizations provided essential services to rally participants, offering support to those affected by GBV.

Key Participants and Supporters

The success of the rally was made possible by the full support and participation of various groups, including:

• Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs)

• Young people, including both in-school and out-of-school adolescents

• Community leaders

• Women’s groups and organizations

• Assemblymen and unit committee members

• Local NGOs

• Teachers

• Media representatives

• Social Welfare staff

• DOVVSU staff

• Ghana Health Service (GHS) representatives

In total, 200 participants actively engaged in the rally.

Conclusion

The Peki rally was a powerful step towards raising awareness and combating Gender-Based Violence in the Volta Region. Through education, community involvement, and the provision of essential services, the RaV project is making strides in creating safer environments and empowering survivors of GBV across the region.