PureTrust Foundation, with support from GIZ under the S(HE) project, has marked this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence with the unveiling of community murals at Dalogyili in the Tamale Metropolis.
The murals, which depict men and women sharing household chores and participating in decision-making, were created to communicate equality, harmony, and the need for violence-free homes.
Speaking at the event, Ms Patience Agyare-Kwabi, Consultant for the GIZ S(HE) project, said the artworks would serve as a constant reminder of society’s duty to safeguard the dignity and freedom of women, girls, and persons with disabilities.
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The event was held on the theme “Our Home, Our Heritage: Rejecting Violence, Embracing Harmony.”
The community gathering drew traditional leaders, women’s and youth groups, civil society organisations and representatives of public institutions. Activities included registration, the sharing of orange ribbons to symbolize solidarity against SGBV, as well as speeches, testimonies and pledges.
Ms Agyare-Kwabi underscored the significance of the 16 Days of Activism, saying it aligns with the project’s commitment to promoting human rights and gender equality. “Let women and girls be free to become who they are meant to be. Without unity, we cannot end SGBV,” she said.
Ms Jamila Tahiru, Project Coordinator for PureTrust Foundation, explained that the initiative forms part of the “Champions of Change” project funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented under GIZ’s Support to Human Rights, Gender Equality and Civil Society (S(HE)) project.
She said the murals symbolize unity, shared responsibilities and peaceful family life. “Today, we orange the world with the men and women of Dalogyili,” she added.
Speakers from key state agencies highlighted the social, cultural and structural barriers that fuel inequality.
Mr. Seidu Alhassan, Chief Investigator at CHRAJ in the Northern Region, urged men to empower the women and girls in their homes, stressing that restrictive beliefs around women’s participation must be challenged.
Mr Abdul Fatawu Mahama, Northern Regional Programme Officer at the National Commission for Civic Education, expressed concern about the low representation of women in leadership, describing their presence in Parliament as “still very low.” He encouraged communities to support women and girls into decision-making roles.
From the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr Musah Abdul Majeed warned that parents who neglect their children could face sanctions. He urged households to embrace fairness, inclusion and peaceful co-existence.
PureTrust Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Habib Haruna, reflected on the organisation’s longstanding relationship with Dalogyili, which began in 2001 during an improvised training for 35 women under makeshift canopies.
That modest start has since developed into a functional shea butter processing Centre.
He praised the women of the community for applying their training over the years and influencing other areas including Yendi and Soboba.
Mr. Haruna added that PureTrust Foundation is working to support the community with a borehole, a potential mechanized water system, an expanded processing Centre, a new warehouse, a soap-making facility and youth development initiatives.
Community members, mostly women, commended the Foundation for financial literacy support that they said has transformed their households through improved saving and planning habits.
Naa Abdulai Salifu, Chief of Dalogyili, expressed appreciation to PureTrust Foundation and GIZ and appealed for additional development interventions such as water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
