By Enoch Uzuegbunam
The Anambra State Chairman of MAP-GBV, His Royal Highness Igwe Pius Amachaonu of Olunasa, has called for mutual respect among couples as a means of ending gender-based violence.
Igwe Amachaonu made the call during a community sensitisation programme on GBV prevention and response held at the Igwe Orizu Palace, Nnewi North. The event was organised by the Anambra State Multistakeholders Action Committee on the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence (MAP-GBV), in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme, “Uniting Community Stakeholders for Grassroots Action Against Gender-Based Violence in Nnewi North and South,” the monarch said there is no “fifty-fifty” in relationships, but a complementary role of the head and neck.
According to him, the man is the head while the woman is the neck, and both must work together in harmony for the family to function effectively. He urged couples to honour and support one another, including sharing household responsibilities, to reduce violence in homes.
The traditional ruler also encouraged residents to report cases of gender-based violence to relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Women Affairs, the police, and traditional institutions.
Other speakers at the event stressed the need to protect vulnerable groups, promote respect for human rights, and ensure that acts of violence and harassment are reported and addressed promptly.
The programme was attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, persons with disabilities, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.
Enoch is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
