To mark the 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls, the office of the wife of the governor of Imo state, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, in collaboration with the Imo state ministry of Women Affairs and Vulnerable Group, put together an event to discuss and tackle salient issues pertaining to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The Commissioner for, Women Affairs and Vulnerable Group, Imo State, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu in her opening speech called on women and men to desist from shaming victims, blaming the issue of silence on the shame given to victims. She charged those present to raise their ward(s) with the right principles as charity begins at home.
Lady Nkechinyere further encouraged everyone to “Say something”, and “do something” when they “see something”.
Calling for awareness to be taken to the grassroots, the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Chikeka, who was represented by Justice I.J Obichere, reiterated that GBV is not peculiar to women, and as such, everyone needs to spread their blanket of observation wide while noting that being vigilant and observant of one’s environment aids in identifying victims, perpetrators and also bringing them to book.
Speaking on the topic ‘’Attitude and Character’’, House member representing Njaba constituency, Hon. Uju Onwudiwe drew attention to the vital role of mothers in the upbringing of children.
Emphasizing the need to have open communication at the home front, the lawmaker amongst other things, encouraged the womenfolk not to let their situation dictate to them.
‘’We need to start opening communication in our homes”
‘’I know some of us are poor, but let’s not let poverty dominate…” she implored.
Present at the event to share ways to deal with Gender Based Violence were: Ishiaku Fatima Ada, a rape survivor and author; Ukachi Uka, National Human Rights Commission; Uche Kennedy Ibeh, wife to the IMHA Speaker; Chioma Nwaneri, National Widows Association of Nigeria; Dorothy Nnaji, National Association Women of Journalists, NAWOJ, Imo State Chapter; Chioma Iwueze, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA, Imo State chapter); Delegation of female student leaders led by Comr. Ezugwu Christiana.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
This year’s global theme is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”, and will run till Friday, December 10, 2021, Human Rights Day.
(Report by Lilian Duru-Valentine & Etinyene; Edited by Lilian Duru-Valentine)
