Implementation Of SDG 16.1: Analysis Of Ghana’s Efforts To Reduce Sexual Violence
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University Of Ghana
Abstract
Sexual violence has been classified as a public health problem which happens in various forms
and context such as rape, unwanted sexual advances, sexual abuse of vulnerable people, forced
marriage or cohabitation, among others. Despite numerous existing instruments, sexual violence
still persists, necessitating a more comprehensive guide in 2015 as part of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Target 16.1 of the SDGs specifically seeks to reduce all forms of
violence and its related deaths in the world. To achieve this target, some states have designed
specific instruments and programmes aimed at reducing sexual violence by 2030, and these
frameworks have been tailored into their national policies. To investigate the specific interventions
being implemented by Ghana after the SDGs and the progress made so far, this study was
conducted using qualitative research methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted
with selected persons from key institutions such as DOVVSU, CHRAJ, UNFPA, UNICEF and
Ark Foundation, as well as with victims of sexual violence. Findings show that before 2015, Ghana
has been signatory to seventeen existing international instruments that prohibits sexual violence
and has therefore translated some of these legal instruments into national policies and created
institutions to spearhead their implementation. After the SDGs were adopted, more instruments
and policies have been implemented in the short and medium term to further reduce sexual
violence by 2030. The study reveals that recent legislations and commitments towards reducing
sexual violence by 2030 are more pronounced than before as more resources have been committed
towards this course especially by intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs). Despite the various efforts, the study identified that new initiatives and
policies spearheaded by government are not as progressive as anticipated due to inadequate
financial commitments. Meanwhile, initiatives and programs steered by IGOs and NGOs are
progressive due to adequate resource allocations and financial commitments. The study concludes
that commendable strides have been made from 2015 to 2021 towards reducing sexual violence in
Ghana through existing institutions, policies and legal frameworks, but more could be achieved.
The study therefore recommends that government should make adequate financial commitment
towards gender-related issues, must cut unnecessary bureaucratic processes that impede
contributions of development partners and should revise some existing instruments to meet current
standards.
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M.A. International Affairs