Role of non-governmental organisations in mitigating gender based violence in Ghana: A case study of Ark Foundation in Accra metropolis

Abstract

The investigation centered on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in mitigating gender based violence in Ghana, particularly in the Accra Metropolis. Descriptive survey design was employed for the study. In all, fifty (50) respondents comprising fifteen (15) NGO workers, fifteen (15) rape victims and twenty (20) wife battery victims were chosen for the study. The main instruments used in gathering relevant data were a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Some of the major findings of the study were that, the commonest forms of gender based violence in Accra Metropolis were sexual and physical abuse. Also, sexual passion, refusal to sexual advances, misunderstanding and financial problems happened to be some of the causes of gender based violence in Accra Metropolis. Moreover, some of the effects of gender based violence identified in the study were broken bones, broken home, swollen face ,sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, pains insomnia, among others. The research revealed that, emergency shelter, counseling, legal aid support and medical assistance are provided by NGOs to victims. Financial assistance, educational support and advocacy programmes are also offered to victims to address their problems. The study recommended among other things that NGOs should set up telephone hotlines where victims in distress can reach out to these organizations for immediate assistance.