Absa Bank Ghana, in partnership with UN Women Ghana and the African Women Leaders Network, held an event under the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, reinforcing the urgent need to protect and empower women and girls across workplaces, homes and communities.
The ceremony took place at Absa Bank’s Head Office on Accra High Street, and signified the bank’s commitment to reject silence, speak up and treat abuse as a serious crime. Representatives from the United Nations, UN Women Ghana, the African Women Leaders Network, and Absa colleagues attended the event.
Opening the programme, Annie Aborah, Credit Director at Absa Bank Ghana, stressed that action must be sustained beyond awareness. “Every policy we advocate, every programme we implement, and every conversation we have has the power to save a life. Together, we can build a future where respect, equality and safety are not aspirations but lived realities,” she said.
She emphasised that gender-based violence remains a public crisis that undermines dignity and threatens progress, calling for practical measures and continued advocacy.
Dr Afua Ansre, United Nations Representative, highlighted the global theme for this year’s campaign: Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls. She also noted that violence is not inevitable and called for collective responsibility. “Each of us has a role to play in creating safer environments, both offline and online. By raising awareness, promoting digital safety and advocating for accountability, we move closer to a society where women and girls can live free from violence,” she said.
Absa’s Isaac Sampah delivered a presentation on violence against women in the corporate environment, outlining the bank’s internal systems designed to build a safe and inclusive workplace. He highlighted Absa’s clear standards of behaviour, reporting channels, investigation processes and sanctions for violations, emphasising the importance of a culture where every employee feels protected and respected.
Calling for action beyond the annual campaign period, Dr Charity Binka, President of the African Women Leaders Network, reminded participants that the issue affects every part of society. “Gender-based violence can affect anyone, anywhere. As a country, we must rise up, speak out and use our voices and connections to protect those at risk. No woman should die for being a woman, and no girl should be raped for being a girl. Together, we should, we are, and we will act,” she said.
Adolf Kpegah, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer, spoke briefly on behalf of MenZone, Absa’s internal community for male colleagues, who were present to support the cause. He underlined the role of men in challenging harmful norms and supporting women’s safety and encouraged men to take an active stand.
The event concluded with the hoisting of the Orange Flag, the global symbol of a united stand against gender-based violence. Absa Bank Ghana remains committed to advancing initiatives that raise awareness, strengthen workplace and community protections and empower women and girls.
