Rape culture seems to be rampant in this day and age. Sex sells is the motto so perhaps sexual assault is becoming desensitized and victims are somehow being blamed while justice seems to be lagging behind or non-existent in African countries.
It doesn’t help matters that women are usually blamed for their role in their assault as opposed to the assailants being punished and the motive of their crime explored so that education about the repercussions of rape and sexual assault can ensue.
Another act of alleged rape filmed by culprits has gone viral in Ghana, West Africa. As people share the misconduct across social media outlets, the victim is left to process the pain and embarrassment of the ordeal. Will justice be served?
Just two days ago, the WhatsApp video surfaced of the under-aged girl apparently being raped in turns by seven assailants. In May, The Sun UK reported that several women gang-raped a young man for three days after he boarded an outsized passenger taxi; he was drugged and forced to consume countless energy drinks which left him disoriented.
Eyewitness ZA recounted that a South African female student was sexually assaulted by her school principal and two instructors in September. In December, BBC News stated that 11 local militias in the Democratic Republic of Congo were imprisoned for raping 40 victims who ranged from eight months to 12 years of age; on the other hand, most of the assailants were set free or served only one year in prison.
Nabih al-Wahsh, a controversial Egyptian lawyer called for women ‘in ripped jeans to be raped and sexually harassed.’ He was jailed several months after an uproar.
Overseas, the United States has been embroiled in its fair share of scandal as several high profile movie producers such as Harvey Weinstein and actors such as Kevin Spacey have been exposed for rape and sexual misconduct.
Pulse Ghana, a popular Ghanaian news outlet published a story during the week of December 16 which aimed to show the cues that a woman is interested in sexual intercourse. It sparked outrage from advocates against the rape culture.
The story mentioned how a woman’s style of dress may be interpreted, which actually fueled the roaring flames of rape culture, even further – the post and all links to the story have since been deleted from all ‘content distribution channels’ as stated by the platform, though the damage hasn’t been undone.
APOLOGY!!!!!! ??????
We have deleted an earlier story which unfortunately came across as promoting rape culture. The links to the said story have also been deleted from all our content distribution channels.
We would like to apologize for this error in judgement.
Thank you— Pulse Ghana (@PulseGhana) December 16, 2017
Is it time for a reform in African laws that govern rape, revenge pornography, and distribution of sexual crimes on the internet? At the time of this write-up, there aren’t any known laws against revenge porn which is when a sexual act is taped then broadcasted with the intent of embarrassing or hurting an individual or distribution of content that shows sexual violence or rape perpetrated against women.
In the U.S., sexual acts of crime are often followed by harsh penalties such as prison time, registry on the sexual offenders’ list in some cases and a stigma that negatively affects the lawbreaker’s livelihood. There is also the question of the lack of respect and empathy for rape and other sexually deviant behavior against African Women; is rape seen as a problem low on the totem pole due to the attitude that is taken towards women and their position in African societies?
This blatant disrespect of women’s issues and the lackadaisical attitude displayed by governing officials in African nations where the beforesaid crimes are perpetrated contribute to the mentality that sexual crimes against women aren’t serious enough to warrant a public outrage.
The aforementioned acts have indeed sparked necessary dialogue about African culture, women and how punishable crimes committed against women will be prosecuted.
See below for some of the dialogue sparked by the rape incident in Ghana.
As usual not a word from the Christian Council of Ghana and other religious groups about this gang-rape in Ghana. They would’ve been out in full force spreading hate and issuing threats if we were talking about the rights of two consenting adults of the same sex.
— Nana Ama A. Asante (@JustNanaAma) December 19, 2017
So yet another rape.
This time by a gang and video-taped. The rape culture in Ghana is getting out of hand and must stop.
The rapists must be brought to justice. Until there are repurcussions for sexual violence, it will continue.#Justice4Her #Ghana — Jemila Abdulai (@jabdulai) December 18, 2017
In Ghana, some elders advise that rape cases be settled at home instead of court. This is making rape prevalent in some villages bcos men know they will not be jailed for rape. Let’s stop the violence against girls. #16days #orangetheworld #NeesimGhana
— NeesimSug Ghana (@NeesimG) December 7, 2017
Finally, Ghana is waking up to it’s hidden Gang Rape Culture. When I was young, it was called GALA bcos it was sport for young men who wanted to tame “stubborn girls”. If we want to uproot this evil, we must launch a massive campaign nationwide and punish perpetrators severely.
— Nana Kofi Acquah (@africashowboy) December 19, 2017
Dem boys in the gang Rape should be dealt with ..Law n Justice in Ghana must prevail #SayNoToRape
— Mayanka Priest EP (@ShaikeMunzoo) December 19, 2017
An important question indeed! And a sad, sad answer given the prevalence of gang rape in Ghanaian society. That is not to taint all of Ghana’s youth at all – but condemn the prevalence of gang rape is crucial. #MorningStarr https://t.co/W6gXKjkmfs
— EstherArmah (@estherarmah) December 19, 2017
Part 1 of 4: There is often a loud silence from Ghana’s vocal religious bodies on boys and men’s behaviour when it comes to gang rape. The latest headlines of a teenage girl being gang raped and videod are no exception. #MorningStarr
— EstherArmah (@estherarmah) December 19, 2017
Part 2 of 4: Their silence should not go unnoticed or pass without comment, given their role as ‘God’s men’ & protectors of Ghana’s moral fabric. Where is their voice on gang rape & in this latest case boys videoing this horror & it being circulated on social media? #MorningStarr
— EstherArmah (@estherarmah) December 19, 2017
Some Ghanaian charlatan pastors – supposed God’s men – articulate their role as guardians of Ghana’s moral fabric & caretakers of conscience – how can this be true if you are simultaneously silent when boys & men gang rape girls? Aren’t girls/women God’s children 2? #MorningStarr
— EstherArmah (@estherarmah) December 19, 2017
Not simple at all! Of course, the law must take its course. But gang rape in Ghana is a common occurrence & too often the law is rarely involved. In this era of video – & before then – there are boys & men who know of this behaviour & stay silent. Such silence is complicity. https://t.co/uO1YjwdIHD
— EstherArmah (@estherarmah) December 19, 2017
if you’ve ever overheard a group of men happily talk about “gala” and it isn’t soccer related pls note the discussion is about how their trashy selves GANG RAPED an innocent young woman
What are MEN doing to end the rape culture in Ghana ?
— ? (@selkofiga) December 19, 2017
So yet another rape. This
time by a gang and video-
taped. The rape culture in
Ghana is getting out of hand
and must stop. The rapists
must be brought to justice.— williams carter (@BOSSOFTHECARTEL) December 18, 2017
