Interference by high-profile figures is hindering Justice for women and children – Department of Gender

The Acting Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Gender, James Twene, has expressed concern over the interference of high-profile figures in society when criminal cases involving women and children are being pursued.

He described the trend as a major obstacle to the protection and welfare of women and children in the region.

Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Tuesday, August 19, Twene said that while state institutions exist to ensure justice in cases of gender-based violence, their work is often undermined by interventions from influential individuals.

“One challenge we are facing when it comes to addressing LGBV issues in our communities is interference. People interfere a lot. We have state institutions mandated to ensure that issues bordering on criminality are punished, but you will see people intervening and making the whole process cumbersome. These institutions then find it difficult to deal with such cases,” he lamented.

Twene therefore called on traditional leaders and other respected personalities to use their influence to champion the welfare and rights of women and children, rather than shielding perpetrators.

He also rejected claims that child rights advocacy has contributed to waywardness and indiscipline among children.

“When you talk about children’s rights, sometimes people blame us, saying we spoil these children through advocacy. But that is not the case. We are only advocating for rights that safeguard the lives of children, not to make them irresponsible or indisciplined.” He explained.

Twene further highlighted sociocultural practices such as abusive widowhood rites, female genital mutilation (FGM), and child marriage as some of the major challenges confronting the department. He urged communities in the region to discourage such harmful practices in order to safeguard the dignity and future of women and girls.

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