Economic Empowerment
The Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC) has awarded 25 African women entrepreneurs and leaders at a special ceremony in Accra for their role in the fight against domestic violence.
The award is in recognition of the leadership qualities and contributions made by the women towards improving the lives of other women using their fields of specialisation.
Award winners included Ghanaian lawyer Penelope Mawuenyegah, Vice Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia, Margaret Mensah-Williams, Nigerian human rights campaigner, Jenny Okafor, social entrepreneur, Dr. Miriam Kachikwu and African-American inventor Dr. Sandra Johnson.
Available statistics indicate one out of three women in Ghana suffer abuse from their partners while up to 35 domestic violence cases are reported daily.
Organisers used the occasion to raise funds for the Domestic Violence Fund in support of activities of MOWAC.
The ceremony also featured an eco-friendly fashion show by designers from Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria and students of the Accra Polytechnic and Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria in aid of the Fund.
The Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, Angela Dwamena Aboagye, said money from the fund will be used to rescue, rehabilitate and provide shelter for victims of abuse.