Violence occurs among both sexes but the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence is specifically to raise awareness of violence against women and girls and find ways to eliminate it.
It is in that regard that the EU- funded Rule of Law and Anti Corruption (RoLAC) programme in conjunction with Child Protection Network, Anambra State Child Rights (ASCRIC), and other key stakeholders,to mark the first day of the activism, held a roundtable Gender-Based Violence(GBV) stakeholders signing of Agreement to join forces to end Gender-Based Violence in the state. The event was held on November 25th, 2021 at Finotel Hotel in Awka.
In her opening remark, RoLAC Anambra State Lead, Josephine Onah said that ending GBV violence is a critical mass in the agenda of RoLAC. She stated that the RoLAC programme is committed to supporting the state government, local government, structures, civil society, the justice system, women, children and persons living with disabilities in the state with the aim to safeguard the rights of women and girls from violence.
She mentioned one of such support structures as the partnership with the state government in providing the Ntasi Center, a Sexual Referral Center located at General Hospital, Enugwu Ukwu, amongst other projects.
She called on Civil Society Organizations, Non-Governmental Organisations and other state and non-state actors to rise to the action and think outside the box on ways to eliminate violence against women and girls.
Speaking the state lead of Child Protection Network, Loveth Uju said that the aim of the day one event was to share evidence on the ground and demonstrate that like minds when gathered, and with adequate responsive commitments, will elicit the possibility of progress in eliminating violence against women.
She also expressed hope that there will be stronger prevention efforts as the best way to stop violence is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
