Empowering Change: PureTrust Foundation Champions Gender Equality in Ghana's Communities

The PureTrust Foundation, a community-driven non-profit organization based in Ghana, has made significant strides in advocating for gender equality and protection against violence through its recent forum commemorating the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This event, held at the Tamale Disability Center, was a crucial platform for raising awareness about the pressing issues of domestic violence, child abuse, and gender-based violence, all while reinforcing the need for legal aid, counseling, and support services for victims. During the forum, leaders and advocates called for a more comprehensive educational approach to empower women and children about their rights. The emphasis was placed on the need to address domestic violence and promote dialogue on violence prevention, particularly in vulnerable communities. The foundation encouraged participants to adopt the hashtag "Stop practices that promote violence against women and children" as a rallying cry for change. The event featured a title that encapsulated its purpose: "Gender and Child Protection: Addressing Domestic Violence Through Positive Spousal Communication." It served as a gathering for social welfare staff, artisans, and women smock weavers, all united in their mission to develop effective communication strategies aimed at fostering healthy relationships and marriages. By focusing on these topics, the forum sought to bridge the gap between awareness and action, promoting environments where women and children can live free from violence. Mad. Dakurah Severa from the Department of Social Welfare highlighted the alarming rates of divorce and broken homes, pointing out that these societal issues often leave women and children vulnerable to continued suffering. The call for greater educational initiatives directed at traditional authorities and men was echoed throughout the discussions, emphasizing the need for community-wide engagement in securing peace for families. Other prominent speakers included Mad. Faidatu Alhassan, who advocated for the strict implementation of human rights laws to protect women and children from abuse, and Hajia Safia Alhassan, CEO of Pagsung Shea Cooperative, who noted the pivotal role of education in combating violent extremism and fostering peace within communities. The forum also showcased the PureTrust Foundation's commitment to creating safe spaces for dialogue. Mad. Jamila Tahiru, the Projects Coordinator at the foundation, expressed the essence of this initiative: "We decided to commemorate the event by organizing a safe space where participants, including our inclusive smock weavers, can learn, share experiences, and voice their concerns." This sentiment was echoed by many participants who found the event to be a vital opportunity to express their experiences regarding familial and marital pressures, while simultaneously acquiring strategies to cultivate peace within their homes. With a focus on enhancing the social and economic conditions of the poorest communities, the PureTrust Foundation is steadfast in its mission. It aims to improve health, education, economic empowerment, youth development, and access to water and sanitation, while also collaborating with governmental and civil society organizations. These partnerships are crucial for influencing policies that protect vulnerable groups and promoting the enforcement of laws against violence. Through various skills training and support programs, the PureTrust Foundation continues to empower women, particularly apprentices, enhancing their living conditions and educational access. As the foundation remains committed to its vision, the call for collective action against gender-based violence resonates louder than ever, emphasizing that the journey toward equality and safety for women and children is a shared responsibility.