Tag: GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

COMMISSIONER URGES UNITY AMONG WOMEN TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN ANAMBRA

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, has called for unity among women in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.

Speaking during a press briefing organized by the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) at her office in Awka as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, she outlined the ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat the scourge.

Mrs. Obinabo emphasized that her ministry has initiated numerous programs, including conferences, press briefings, market sensitization campaigns and stakeholder engagements in communities to raise awareness about GBV and its devastating effects.

“This year, the women of Anambra State have taken a bold step to create awareness about gender-based violence. Women must stand united, support one another, and refuse to be used as tools to humiliate or intimidate their fellow women,” she emphasized.

Speaking on the theme “Unite to End Gender-Based Violence,” the commissioner highlighted the power of collective action in addressing the issue. She urged mutual respect between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, stressing the importance of tolerance and understanding.

“Age affects reasoning; mothers-in-law should be loved and understood. Similarly, daughters-in-law must avoid viewing their mothers-in-law as competitors,” she advised, adding that fostering harmony in families is essential to building a violence-free society.

She further warned perpetrators of violence, explaining that ignorance of the law would not be an excuse. “The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (VAP) is in full force, and designated courts are ready to handle cases. We will not tolerate the humiliation of widows or the seizure of their property. Offenders will face justice,” she warned.

On his part, the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) also addressed the gathering, acknowledging that men also suffer from domestic violence but stressed the critical role of women in shaping homes and society. “Women deserve respect and appreciation for their contributions, especially in journalism, women uncover stories men cannot, and they deserve recognition,” he said.

NAWOJ Anambra Chairperson, Comrade Tochukwu Ifejirika, who led a delegation to the State Police Command as part of the activism campaign, emphasized the need for women to recognize early signs of abuse, whether verbal or non-verbal, and to speak out against violence. “Silence has caused too many lives to be lost. Women must seek help and support instead of enduring violence in silence,” she urged.

Similarly, a Senior Lecturer Faculty of Law at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Barr. Helen Obi while addressing female Journalists highlighted the global origin of the 16 Days of Activism, which began in 1991 and stressed the importance of prevention programs, education, and advocacy to combat GBV. “This year’s theme underscores the need for collective action to eliminate gender-based violence,” she noted.

The campaign activities included a road walk through key locations in Awka, such as the Police Command, Ministry of Women Affairs, Aroma Junction, and NUJ Secretariat to raise awareness about GBV. Stakeholders including a gender rights activist, Comrade Ify Unachukwu also called for the establishment of Violence Against Persons Commission, enhanced media coverage of real life stories and more resources for Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARC).

The call to action from the event was clear: unity, awareness, and decisive action were vital to ending gender-based violence in Anambra State and beyond.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA STATE JOINS GLOBAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

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.

PRESIDENT GENERALS OF COMMUNITIES, TRADITIONAL RULERS, OTHER MULTI-SECTORAL STAKEHOLDERS UNITE IN ANAMBRA TO ADDRESS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

By Chidimma Okoye :

In commemoration of the 2024 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) held in Awka, the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme and International IDEA, organized a conference in Awka with the theme,“Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls”.

The event brought together stakeholders from across the state to deliberate on strategies to curb GBV.

Speaking at the conference, the Anambra State Project Coordinator for RoLAC, Josephine Onah, identified poverty, gender inequality, early and forced marriages, and harmful cultural practices such as widowhood rites and girl-child disinheritance as key drivers of violence against women and girls. She lamented that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, passed in 2018, has not significantly reduced the prevalence of GBV in the state.

“Despite legislative efforts, violence against women and girls persists due to entrenched cultural norms, stereotypes, and systemic inequality. We must go beyond laws to address these deep-seated issues,” she said.

The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, described the conference as a statewide initiative to position Anambra State as a leader in addressing gender-based violence and advancing gender equity.

Traditional rulers, represented by the Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu, Dr. Emeka Ilouno, emphasized the importance of granting women their rightful place in society. “The era of relegating women to the background is over. Men must respect women’s rights and exercise self-control, especially during conflicts”.

The State Commander, 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, noting that silence perpetuates the cycle of abuse and urged communities to work collectively to combat the issue.

The conference was described as a significant step toward achieving the goals of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as the world approaches Beijing +30.

It produced a 14-point communique with key resolutions aimed at addressing GBV in Anambra State. These include the dissemination of simplified versions of the VAPP Law and Child Rights Act, increase support for sensitization campaigns, establishment of more Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs), and the discouragement of out-of-court settlements in GBV cases.

Other recommendations include the creation of shelters for survivors, the establishment of juvenile correction centers, and enhanced multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional institutions.

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

Participants included 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.

*ChidimmaChidimmais of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

WOMEN AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER SEEKS MORE SENSITISATION ON GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

By Ukpa Ewa :

The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo has called for a broader sensitisation of women on gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria as women and girls are mostly victims.

The commissioner, who received members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Women Committee, Anambra State Chapter in her office in Awka said there was need to sensitize people on gender based violence.

Mrs. Obinabo who spoke extensively on the ill treatment meted on women, advised parents to make out adequate time for their children while urging them to go back to the good old days of making inquiries before giving out their daughters in marriage.

Speaking during the courtesy call, the NAWOJ Chairperson, Mrs. Franklyn Onyekachi commended the Commissioner for Women Affairs for being in the fore front of the fight against gender based violence.

She further called for strict implementation and enforcement of Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

The women who were marking the 16 days of activism on GBV which has as its theme “Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls” also paid a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), Sir Chido Obidiegwu.

*Ukpa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State