Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme has joined their counterparts the world over to commemorate the 2024 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The conference with the theme “ UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” brought together stakeholders from across the state to deliberate on strategies to curb GBV in the state.

Addressing participants, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, appreciated the Governor of the state, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his efforts towards ending the menace and noted that the conference will help in positioning Anambra State as a leader in addressing GBV and advancing gender equity.

The Anambra State Project Coordinator for RoLAC, Josephine Onah, who identified poverty, early and forced marriages, and girl-child disinheritance among others as key drivers of violence against women and girls, lamented that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, passed in 2018, has not significantly reduced the prevalence of GBV in the state.

Traditional rulers, represented by the Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu, Dr. Emeka Ilouno, as well as the State Commander of the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Ibadin Judith Chukwu, called on survivors of violence to speak out, assuring them of the agency’s support.

A 14-point communique with key resolutions aimed at addressing GBV in the state was produced at the Unite Conference which include the dissemination of simplified versions of the VAPP Law and Child Rights Act, increased support for sensitization campaigns, the establishment of more Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs), and the discouragement of out-of-court settlements in GBV cases.

Among the participants were 16 traditional rulers, commissioners, representatives of government ministries, departments, and agencies, town union leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, civil society organizations, persons with disabilities, and the media.

The event concluded with a collective commitment by all participants to implement the communique and work towards eliminating GBV in Anambra State, fostering a safer and more inclusive society for women and girls.

No related posts.