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The Parliamentary Female Caucus concluded a three-day workshop in Bo City, focusing on the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012 and its 2019 amendment.
The event, held at Galliness Paradise, brought together stakeholders to address enforcement challenges and strengthen oversight mechanisms.
Hon. Bernadette Wuyata Songa, President of the Caucus, emphasized the importance of collaboration in implementing the Act.
She highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence, referencing cases shared on social media, and urged participants to create awareness in their communities. She also stressed that effective implementation requires ongoing oversight and collective efforts.
The workshop included presentations on key topics:
Parliamentary Oversight of Sexual Violence Legislation: By Hillary Gbedewah, a CEDAW expert.
Policy Considerations Behind the Sexual Offences Acts: By Charles Vandy, Deputy Chief Director, Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.
Status of Trials, Sanctions, and Offender Accountability: Highlighting judicial challenges and accountability measures.
Support Services for Survivors of SGBV: Addressing the importance of comprehensive survivor support systems.
Prevention Initiatives and Programs: Promoting community-based prevention strategies.
Participants included civil society organizations, women’s rights activists, and representatives from government ministries, departments, and agencies.
The workshop aimed to ensure better enforcement of the Sexual Offences Act, provide support for survivors, and develop effective prevention initiatives.
Hon. Songa concluded by urging stakeholders to implement the workshop’s outcomes and ensure the Act fulfills its purpose of protecting vulnerable groups and fostering societal change.
