By Obiageli Nwankwo
The Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has taken a bold stand against rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV), marking the 16 Days of Activism with a symbolic walk from the State Police Command Headquarters in Awka through Eke Awka Market to Aroma Junction.
During the lecture delivered as part of the activity marking the event, key stakeholders called for stronger parenting, women’s empowerment, and public accountability to curb abuse against women and girls.
Speaking at the Police Command Headquarters in Amawbia, Chief Public Safety Officer and Officer-in-Charge of Gender Issues, CPS Elozie Adaobi, urged parents to prioritize the moral and emotional upbringing of their children. “Poor parental care and weak upbringing are major drivers of gender-based violence,” she warned.
Many parents are sacrificing the future of their children for business and material pursuits. Any enterprise that takes away proper care and training of children opens the door to future sorrow, she added.
Amara Muojeke,Esq President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), stressed that women should reject total dependence on men, citing existing laws that protect women from abuse and prescribe jail terms for offenders.
No woman should be idle or solely dependent on her husband for survival. Economic empowerment gives women a voice and protection. Any man who forces his wife to remain a housewife against her will risks imprisonment if reported,”she disclosed
Ambassador Anulika Adibe, a survivor of early marriage and domestic violence, advised parents not to push young girls into early marriage and encouraged victims to speak out or leave violent relationships.
Many women,she said remain in abusive marriages out of fear of public opinion,a mindset she described as a major contributor to the increase in GBV cases
On his part, Mr Chinedu Okwelugo,a retired Director of Planning and Research ,National Orientation Agency (NOA) emphasized that teaching children gender equality from an early age is essential to building a society free of GBV.
He urged parents to inculcate in their children the principle of gender equality,noting that no family chore is exclusively for any gender.
According to him, children trained with the mindset of equality grow into balanced men and women with healthy views about life and relationship.
The awareness walk also aimed to educate women and girls on avenues for seeking help and justice, sending a clear message that GBV will not be tolerated in Anambra State.
Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
