MTN Ghana, in partnership with UN Women and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), has marked the climax of the global ‘16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ with an engagement session for students of Sacred Heart Technical Institute in Jamestown, Accra. The initiative, held under the theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls,” sought to empower young people with knowledge on domestic abuse, digital safety and respectful behaviour both online and offline.

Senior officials from MTN Ghana, DOVVSU and the school’s management team joined students for the sensitization programme, which focused on building awareness of gender-based violence (GBV), responsible internet use and reporting mechanisms available to victims and witnesses.

Addressing attendees, Director of DOVVSU, ACP Owusuaa Kyeremeh, Esq stressed that although the 16-day global campaign had officially ended, advocacy against violence must continue year-round.
She explained that cases of abuse affected women, girls, boys and men, urging the students to take reporting seriously and use the official helpline when necessary.

“We are ending the 16 days today, but we are not ending the fight against violence,” she said. She reiterated DOVVSU’s toll-free helpline 0800 000 900 and the WhatsApp reporting line O55 100 0900 , urging students to send evidence of abuse directly to the agency instead of circulating it on social media. “When you send it to us quickly, we will act,” she assured.

MTN Ghana’s General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value, Mr. Isaac Mate, highlighted the significance of engaging young people.

He noted that MTN had deliberately chosen a secondary school because shaping young minds was crucial to building a future society free from violence.
“When we get them to understand gender-based violence at this age, they grow to become responsible men and women,” he said.

Mr. Mate emphasized that MTN integrated GBV advocacy into its broader sustainability agenda by making it a consistent part of the company’s annual calendar and by partnering with relevant state agencies.

“For us, sustainability means creating real impact in the hearts and minds of students,” he explained. “There’s a lot of good online, but also a lot of harm through irresponsible use. As a tech company, we are intentional about educating young people to use technology safely,”he noted.

He added that collaboration with DOVVSU and UN Women strengthened the long-term impact of the initiative: “If we do not unite, we cannot get it right,” he added.

He also encouraged students to speak up against abuse and model respectful behaviour toward classmates of all genders. He reminded them that many victims, especially women, remained silent out of fear or shame, and urged the students to help change this narrative.

Students were taken through a practical presentation on cyber hygiene, guiding them on how to protect themselves online, avoid predators, identify scams, and prevent digital harassment. They were also shown a video on domestic violence to help them recognise its many forms—including emotional, economic and psychological abuse.