By Chizoba Njaka :
The Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) recently joined the global campaign against gender-based violence, particularly violence against women and girls. The campaign, which ran from November 25 to December 10, aimed to raise awareness and promote action against this pervasive issue.
The campaign was launched by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Anambra State Police Command and other stakeholders. NAWOJ also participated in the campaign, emphasizing the need to address gender-based violence in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, led the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence exercise in Awka. As part of the campaign, the ministry organized various programs, including conferences, press briefings, and sensitization visits to markets across the state. These efforts aimed to educate women about gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects them.
Mrs. Obinabo noted that many women in Anambra State have joined the campaign, believing it will restore hope and reduce abuse against women. Emphasizing the importance of unity, she encouraged women to come together, echoing this year’s theme, “Coming Together.”
In his contribution, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam noted that the command has a longstanding commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence, sexual violence, harassment, and other associated crimes.
A statement issued to journalists by the Police Public Relation Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga highlighted that the commitment is reflected in the formation of specialized units within the Force, including the Juvenile, Women and Child (JWC) unit, the Anti-Human Trafficking unit, and the Anti-Child Labour unit, among others, which are dedicated to addressing these sensitive issues.
Addressing women, the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Mr. Christopher Muorokwu emphasized the importance of treating women with respect, care, and love. He noted that despite being created to complement men, women are often subjected to abuse and neglect.
Mr. Muorokwu described women as nation-builders, stressing that their roles in society are invaluable and should never be underestimated. He commended the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for their collective efforts in combating gender-based violence and promoting women’s rights.
A Senior Lecturer at the Faulty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka,
Dr. Helen Obiageli Obi defined violence against women as the intentional use of physical force to harm them. According to her, “this violence can take various forms, including physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Examples include intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. These acts of violence can affect women at all stages of their lives, both within their homes and in society at large.”
Dr. Obi noted that gender-based violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, and serves as a significant obstacle to achieving equality, development, peace, and human rights for women and girls. However, she acknowledged that Nigeria has made significant strides in addressing domestic violence through legislative measures and legal remedies, such as the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. These laws provide a framework for prosecuting perpetrators of violence against women.
A broadcast journalist and gender rights activist, Comrade Ify Unachukwu in her lecture titled “The Role of the Media in Combating Gender-Based Violence”, noted that cultural norms often perpetuate gender-based violence, and that journalists sometimes struggle to report on these issues due to harsh economic conditions.
Comrade Unachukwu also highlighted the challenges facing journalists in Nigeria, particularly the influence of corruption. She urged journalists to maintain ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of intentional and empathetic reporting, objectivity, confidentiality, and refusing bribes from victims.
Chairperson of the Anambra State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Comrade Tochukwu Ifejika urged women to speak out against any form of violence they may face. She encouraged women to break their silence and seek justice whether at home, work, in their marriages, or on the streets, assuring them that NAWOJ would do everything in its power to support them in their quest for justice.
A Media Consultant, Comrade Kasie Abone emphasized the importance of self-esteem and active listening for women journalists to excel in their reportage.
The event featured a road walk from the police command to ABS, Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka, Aroma, and NUJ Secretariat. The walk aimed to raise awareness about the need to eradicate gender-based violence against women and girls.