In a significant step towards creating public awareness around the persistent issue of domestic violence, celebrated human rights activist Joseph Wemakor was featured as a guest on Jericho TV’s women’s empowerment program.
The program, hosted by the dynamic Matilda Sikapa, serves as an important platform, forwarding the conversation on social issues that impact women.
Wemakor, known for his relentless advocacy for women’s rights, utilized this opportunity to shed light on the menace of domestic violence, an issue that, as he passionately noted, “has been slyly normalized and swept under the rug in our society.” He emphasized the severity of domestic violence, relating it to the broader issue of women’s rights, and passionately advocated against its brutal reality that harms countless women every day.
Joseph Wemakor’s discussion with Matilda Sikapa was candid, enlightening, and grave as he underscored the dominance of violence in homes and attributed it to pervasive societal norms. He particularly pointed to dysfunctional patriarchal societies and misconstrued religious teachings, underscoring that these elements dictate and normalize the submission and maltreatment of women.
During the discussion, Wemakor didn’t just pinpoint the problem; he also suggested possible solutions to confront and curb this endemic issue. He encouraged men and women to be educated about the detrimental effects of domestic violence, urging the implementation of regular orientation programs and utilizing schools, the media, civil society organizations, and religious bodies to achieve that aim.
Wemakor also highlighted the necessity of robust laws and their enforcement to protect victims of domestic violence. He mentioned that legislation should be crafted in such a manner that it serves as a deterrent for potential perpetrators. Additionally, he stressed the requirement for psychological support for the victims, symbolizing the multi-faceted approach required to tackle domestic violence.
Sikapa, the host, reiterated Wemakor’s valid points and expressed her gratitude for Wemakor’s significant contribution in the field of women’s empowerment. She ended the discussion by stating, “Women need to know they are not alone; they have the law and society standing beside them.”
The gravity of the issue of domestic violence is indeed undeniable. The discourse provided by Joseph Wemakor on the platform provided by Jericho TV’s women empowerment program is a welcome step in stirring the community’s conscience and urging for tangible solutions that could safeguard women from the horrors of domestic violence.
Wemakor’s clarion call against domestic violence is an endorsement for substantial societal change. As more and more individuals like him speak up and vow to fight against such adversities, the dawn of a society free from the shackles of domestic violence seems attainable. It serves as a stark reminder that the fight against domestic violence is ours to win as a collective society.
The program also highlighted the significant contribution made by Wemakor and his organization, Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), through their inspiring “KTT Project,” which was chosen as the winner of the “Best International Practice Award on Sustainability” for Ghana, West Africa, at the recent 5th UN Global Entreps Awards, as confirmed by the Secretary-General of Entreps-International Board of Global Actors and Business for Sustainability, Raquel Torres, along with the 1,000 other finalists.
Watch the discussion below:
By Kandey Alhassan