By Njide Ezeonyejiaku
The wife of the Governor of Delta State, Deaconess Mrs Tobore Oborevwori has described gender based violence as a silent epidemic that robs an individual’s dignity, security and opportunities.
Speaking at the Symposium to mark the 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Delta State, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Deaconess Mrs Oborevwori, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Delta State, Lady Catherine Onyeme explained that gender-based violence is severely affecting women and girls worldwide either through physical abuse, sexual exploitations or forced marriages.
She noted that the 16 Days of Activism taking place across the globe provides a unique platform for critical stakeholders to reflect on their progress, renew their commitment and strategize for the future.
“Our roles and responsibilities in this regard are in the areas of legislative action, where we endeavour to implement laws that can protect women and girls against violence through the bold implementation of Violence Against Persons’ Prohibition (VAAP) Laws and other gender focused policies” she harped.
The Delta State First Lady further observed that community engagement should be strengthened as most gender-based violence crimes are embedded in cultural and societal norms, while empowerment of women and girls through education remains a top priority as an educated girl child is a strong support to her family, while stressing the importance of partnership and collaboration with strategic stakeholders, while appealing for a society where women can live without fear, and their voices heard.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Princess Dr. Pat Ajudua in her welcome address noted that the 16 Days Activism for this year emphasizes the importance of collaborative action in eradicating gender-based violence across Nigeria and in Delta State in particular as too many lives are disrupted by violence in homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.
Princess Dr. Ajudua expressed appreciation to the State Governor, RT. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his unwavering support and visionary leadership in advancing the fight against gender-based violence, while lauding the Delta State First Lady, Deaconess Mrs Oborevwori for her tireless advocacy and initiatives that continue to protect the vulnerable groups across the State.
The Director, People’s Rights, Ministry of Justice, Delta State, Mrs Juliet Ojefie, represented by Mrs Ijeoma Nwanze in her keynote speech harped on the need to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
She noted that the campaign on gender equality and women’s rights issues are global concerns that are reviewed every 5 years, lamenting on the gaps still staring the world in the face despite the giant strides already recorded across the world and appealed for a break in the silence culture, more allocations for women, more awareness against gender-based violence, and for duty bearers to take strategic actions in implementing the strategies that can increase women’s access to justice.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mrs Agas Oghenekevwe appreciated all stakeholders who participated in the symposium and appealed to all to speak out any time they see something.
Highlights of the event were dance drama by the Delta State Arts and Culture Troupes, and presentation of awards to some GBV Ambassadors, including the former Delta State first Lady, Dame Edith Okowa, among others.
