Violence Against Women
The First Lady, Lordina Mahama has called on governments, the UN, AU and other international organisations to ensure that perpetrators of sexual violence against women during conflict situations are made to account for their actions.
According to her, there must be institutions and structures which should impose punishment on perpetrators, and provide adequate and timely remedies for victims.
If this is not done, crime will flourish and women's rights will continue to be violated.
Mrs Mahama made the call in France when she addressed the Spouses Programme of the Elysee Summit for Peace in Africa in France.
Mrs Mahama reiterated the government of Ghana's commitment to join the African and International Community to fight sexual violence.
She called for women participation in peacekeeping to enhance the security of women and children in conflict areas.
For her part, the Special Representative of the UN, Zainab Hawa Bangura, observed that sexual violence during conflicts is not peculiar to Africa alone and therefore called for concerted efforts to prevent it.
In a communiqué, the summit resolved to help raise public awareness on these crimes and to prosecute and punish perpetrators.
