Vodafone Ghana as part of its commitment to empower women and fight domestic violence, has donated a cheque of GH¢5,000.00 to the Ghana Ark Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation that provides shelter for abused victim.

The donation was in response to the Foundation’s call for support to enable it reopen and run its shelter.

A statement from Vodafone Ghana to the Ghana News Agency explained that the shelter, which had become a safe haven for victims of domestic violence, was closed down in December 2016, due to lack of funds.

Presenting the cheque to the Foundation, Madam Hannah Ashiokai Akrong, the Human Resource Director at Vodafone Ghana, said: “Our commitment to fighting domestic violence goes beyond the walls of our organisation.

“We are particularly interested in the role your Foundation plays in housing and reintegrating victims of domestic abuse especially women and children. A victim’s condition worsens when they continue to stay at the place of violence because they have nowhere else to go,” the statement said.

Madam Akrong according to the statement said at Vodafone, the staff believed domestic violence had a significant impact on people at work, affecting confidence, self-esteem and career progression.

She said that brought about the launching of a Group-wide policy to protect and offer support for victims.

Mrs Angela Dwamena Boakye, the Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, who received the cheque, expressed gratitude to Vodafone Ghana for the gesture, the statement said.

“Your commitment to fighting domestic violence is unquestionable. This donation will certainly help in the reopening and running of the shelter, which we had to close down due to lack of funds,” she said.

The statement disclosed that Vodafone as part of its steps to fight domestic violence had set up a 24-hour hotline service, which employees with issues in relation to domestic violence could call for help.

It said employees who had been victimised also had up to 10 days of paid leave in any calendar year for medical appointments, legal proceedings and other related domestic violence activities.

Source: GNA