Genevieve Partington has made history as the first female Country Director of Amnesty International Ghana since the organization was established in the country in 1973. Amnesty International, a globally recognized human rights organization, operates solely through membership, boasting over 10 million activists worldwide.

A Strong Academic and Professional Foundation

Genevieve holds an MA in Development Studies, majoring in Social Justice Perspectives, with a specialization in Women, Gender, and Development from the Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands. She also earned an MA in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Jean Moulin Lyon 3, France.

With over a decade of experience in the development sector, Genevieve has built an impressive career advocating for human rights and social justice. She credits her friend Tracy Igberaese for motivating her to apply for her current role at Amnesty International Ghana.

Challenges and Rewards of Leading Amnesty International Ghana

When asked about the biggest challenges and rewards of her leadership, Genevieve highlighted cultural resistance as a significant barrier. Many human rights issues in Ghana stem from deep-rooted cultural practices, some of which can be harmful. She emphasized that while traditions play an essential role in society, not all cultural norms align with human rights standards.

Amnesty International upholds the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights law, which takes a liberalist approach—a perspective that sometimes faces opposition from government bodies and stakeholders. A key example is the death penalty debate. While some believe that crimes like treason should still carry the death sentence, Amnesty International advocates for its complete abolition, leading to push back from traditionalists and policymakers.

Pressing Human Rights Issues in Ghana

Currently, Amnesty International Ghana is focusing on several urgent human rights concerns, including:

1. Witchcraft Accusations

• A bill criminalizing witchcraft accusations was passed by Parliament; however, former President Nana Akufo-Addo did not sign it into law, delaying its implementation.
• The bill must now be reintroduced in Parliament and undergo the entire legislative process again.
• Women—particularly widows and those with low education levels—are the primary victims of witchcraft accusations, often leading to social exclusion, violence, and even death.

2. Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

• Reports indicate a rise in domestic violence cases in Ghana. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, one in three women experiences domestic violence.
• Genevieve stressed the need for stronger collaboration with the government to tackle GBV, noting that policy dialogue is crucial since not all government proposals align with Amnesty International’s objectives.

Government’s Role in Human Rights Progress

Genevieve acknowledged that Ghana has made notable progress in human rights protection. However, she expressed concern over shrinking civic space, citing examples that occurred in the past such as:

• Closure of independent radio stations critical of the government.
• Arrest and detention of journalists and protestors, with some detained for up to two weeks facing criminal charges.

She described these developments as regressive for democracy and human rights.

Urgent Policy and Legal Reforms for Women and Girls

Several reforms are currently being worked on in Ghana to improve women’s rights and gender equality:

1. Domestic Violence Act Review

• This ongoing review aims to strengthen legal protections for survivors of domestic abuse.

2. Children’s Act Review

• Updates to child protection policies to align with international human rights standards.

3. Affirmative Action Law

• The Affirmative Action Bill, which ensures at least 30% of leadership and decision-making roles are occupied by women, has been passed and is now in the implementation phase.
• Genevieve believes that increased female representation in decision-making roles will accelerate progress in gender equality.

Future Priorities for Amnesty International Ghana

Over the next few years, Amnesty International Ghana will focus on key human rights priorities, including:

1. Public Order Act Reform

• The Public Order Act grants excessive power to the police during protests. Amnesty International will push for revisions to protect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.

2. Gender Equality and Discrimination

• There will be increased advocacy for stronger anti-discrimination laws, particularly regarding gender-based violence.

3. Free Sanitary Pads for Girls

• Amnesty International views menstrual hygiene as a human rights issue.
• A policy push is underway to ensure free sanitary pads for schoolgirls, reducing period poverty and improving school attendance for girls.

4. Prisoners’ Rights & Death Penalty Abolition

• Amnesty International will advocate for replacing all death sentences with life imprisonment.
• The organization aims to completely remove the death penalty from Ghanaian law books.

Conclusion

Genevieve Partington’s leadership at Amnesty International Ghana marks a historic milestone for women in leadership and human rights advocacy. Despite facing cultural resistance, legal setbacks, and political pushback, she remains committed to championing human rights, empowering women, and pushing for critical policy reforms.

Her journey reflects the power of determination, education, and activism in driving social change. As Ghana continues to evolve, the work of Amnesty International Ghana will remain crucial in ensuring justice, equality, and human dignity for all.