By Uzo Ugwunze
Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, RoLAC, Programme has identified poverty, gender inequality, early/forced marriage, widowhood/girl child disinheritance, among others as factors responsible for growing violence against women and girls in the society.
Anambra State Project Coordinator, Josephine Onah stated this at the statewide conference of 16-day Activism to fight SGBV agenda themed “Unite to End Gender-Based Violence in Anambra State”
She regretted that the signing of Violence Against Persons (VAPP) Law since 2018 was yet to provide effective change in the level of violence and discrimination women and girls go through in the state.
She said, “Violence against women and girls has been a problem plaguing our society for which several organizations have worked on finding both policy and social interventions to.
“There are factors that contribute to the reinforcement of this social menace, making it subsist despite the strides taken by various organizations, and these include poverty, gender inequality, early/forced marriage, widowhood/girl child disinheritance, cultural norms and stereotypes among others.
“The interventions target the elimination of VAWG through policy framework, public sensitization and advocacies to duty bearers to change norms and behavioural patterns that supports the dominance of men and the subordination of women.
“One of the milestone achievements in Anambra State is the passage and signing into law of the VAPP Law in March 2018, however it is still far from giving the effective change in the level of violence and discrimination women and girls go through in the state. What do we do beyond legislation.”
Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo while flagging off the event described the engagement as statewide agenda targeted at addressing GBV, positioning it as a leader in advancing gender equity and human rights in Nigeria.
Traditional ruler of Ifitedunu community, Dr Emeka Ilouno urged men to give women their rightful place in the society, saying era of relegating them in the background was over.
“We traditional rulers are worried by this disturbing trend. We know it’s not unconnected to the hardship in the country, especially among youths who are into drugs, mkpụrụmili.
“Time of negligence of women is over. Men must give women their rights of place. Self control is key during provocation.
State Commander, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Anambra State Command, Mrs. Ibadin Judith Chukwu pledged availability of her agency in supporting fight against violence against women.
She however urged victims of violence to break the culture of silence, insisting that, “It’s not over until this menace is fought to a standstill”