The sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and sparking action to eliminate violence against women and girls. From November twenty-fifth, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December tenth, Human Rights Day, this campaign highlights the urgent need to protect and empower women and girls worldwide.
This year, Anambra State joins the global movement with the theme,” Unite to End GBV“, in Anambra State. On December fourth, 2024, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) program under International IDEA, hosted the Unite Conference. This event underscores the state’s commitment to addressing the forms, causes, and devastating effects of GBV while charting practical solutions to end it.
In Anambra State, GBV manifests in various forms, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, harmful widowhood practices, child abuse, economic deprivation, and human trafficking. These abuses are rooted in deeply entrenched cultural norms, poverty, lack of awareness, and inadequate enforcement of protective laws. Survivors endure not only physical injuries but also psychological trauma, social exclusion, and economic hardships that affect families and communities, ultimately undermining the state’s development.
Anambra State’s partnership with RoLAC, supported by International IDEA, has led to significant milestones. The domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the establishment of the NTASI Sexual Assault and Referral Center at Enugwu-Ukwu have provided critical legal and support frameworks.
Anambra states stands out among her equals in being the first to accent to the Disability Rights Law with its corresponding functional commission. A functional Sexual Assault and Referral Center, improving access to Justice System for women and Persons With Disabilities, among others.
However, gaps such as the absence of a dedicated VAPP Implementation Commission, absence of shelters, and limited awareness in rural areas persist.
To combat these challenges, state governments should take more proactive measures including funding and establishing additional Sexual Assault Centers at least in the other two remaining Senatorial districts, providing survivors with essential medical, legal, and counseling support; improving medical response by equipping experts with specialized training to provide quality care; strengthening legislation and prosecution by ensuring that laws are enforced effectively and cases are resolved promptly.
Again there is need to encourage civil society as first responders by empowering community organizations to provide immediate support to survivors as well as ensuring accountability by deliberately tracking the progress of GBV cases and ensuring speedy resolution.
There is equally need to promote dialogue by hosting town hall meetings and platforms for survivors, frontline responders, and justice service providers to share feedback and experiences.
Advocacy campaigns targeting harmful cultural norms, expanded shelters, and strengthened support systems are essential to advancing this cause.
As the sixteen Days of Activism unfolds, every resident of Anambra State is urged to join the movement.
Together, we can create an Anambra State free from violence, where equality, safety, and inclusion thrive.
IFY UNACHUKWU
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