MTN and DOVVSU Lead Charge Against Gender-Based Violence, Empowering Youth and Digital Users.
By Joyce Akosua Ayine
MTN and the Domestic Violence and Support Unit (DOVVSU) have called for sustained action against gender-based violence, emphasizing that advocacy should extend beyond awareness campaigns. Speaking at the MTN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls” at Sacred Heart Technical Institute, Assistant Commissioner of Police Owusuwaa Kyeremeh, Director of DOVVSU, stressed that violence in any form against women, girls, men, or boys must stop.
She highlighted DOVVSU’s recent reforms aimed at making support more accessible to the public, including the introduction of a dedicated helpline and toll-free number. These initiatives are designed to provide timely assistance to survivors and ensure the public can easily report cases of abuse.” We have set a helpline and the toll- free number is 0800- 000-900 and a WhatsApp number 055 1000 900 to share with us videos of violence that one has recorded send it to us instead of sending it to social media
MTN’s General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Values, Isaac Mate, said the campaign is intended to plant lasting awareness in the next generation. Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Sacred Heart Technical Institute in Jamestown, he explained that engaging young people is crucial to shaping responsible attitudes. “Our specific focus for today is to sow a seed in the hearts of the boys and girls” he said.
Mr. Mate further explained that the end of the 16-day campaign should serve as a starting point, not a conclusion. The initiative seeks to equip young men and women with the knowledge and skills to recognize and combat gender-based violence, particularly in digital spaces. He stated that MTN’s broader sustainability agenda focuses on creating meaningful impact by empowering youth and fostering safer digital environments.” Broader Sustainability issues in MTN is we want to create impact and that is to ensure our young men and women not only understand gender based but also understand the use of technology”.
On the importance of collaboration, Mr. Mate emphasized that advocacy must involve the appropriate government-appointed agencies to ensure credibility and reach. “To pass the message effectively, you have to use the right institutions. And this fight is not only about women and girls; men and boys are also affected. It requires unity and collective action,” he said.
Both MTN and DOVVSU are therefore working to combine awareness, education, and accessible support systems to create a society where everyone is respected and protected. By targeting young people and leveraging technology, the organizations hope to reduce online abuse, build safer communities, and ensure that the principles of equality and safety are ingrained in future generations.
The collaboration between MTN and DOVVSU demonstrates a comprehensive approach to tackling gender-based violence, merging institutional authority, corporate influence, and youth engagement to achieve lasting social change.
