BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Social Development concluded the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) honouring key advocates, including incumbent and former First Ladies, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori and Dame Edith Okowa respectively, for their contributions to the fight against GBV in the state.
The symposium, themed “Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” recognised Dcns, Tobore Oborevwori with the GBV Champion Award, former First Lady, Dame Edith Okowa, GBV Ambassador, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua, received the GBV Trailblazer Award, and the stateWorld Health Organisation (WHO) was recognised with an Exceptional Partnership Award for its collaboration in tackling GBV, among others.
In her keynote address, Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua highlighted the pressing need for collaborative efforts to eradicate GBV. “Gender-based violence is a societal issue that stifles development and perpetuates inequality. Over 30% of Nigerian women have experienced violence in their lifetime, and many remain silent due to stigma or inadequate support structures. We cannot accept these realities as normal. This campaign must not end on December 10. Ending GBV requires sustained action, resources, and collective commitment,” she said.
She lauded Deaconess Oborevwori for her advocacy initiatives and thanked various stakeholders, including NGOs, professional bodies, and community organisations, for their support in the fight against GBV.
Representing the First Lady, wife of the Deputy Governor, Ezinne Catherine Onyeme, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to eradicating GBV.
“Despite strides in promoting gender equality, many women still live in fear or face societal stigmatisation when they speak out. Stronger laws, community engagement, survivor support systems, and economic empowerment are crucial in addressing this menace. The You Matter Charity Foundation will continue to support victims and amplify their voices,” she said.
The symposium also featured a lecture by Director, People’s Rights at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Juliet Ojefia, represented by Mrs. Ijeoma Nwanze. She highlighted the state’s achievements, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, the Child Rights Law, and the Human Trafficking Prohibition Law, as well as initiatives like widows’ empowerment schemes and free antenatal care for pregnant women.
However, she identified critical challenges, including inadequate resources, deep-seated cultural biases, and the persistent prevalence of violence, which impede the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. She emphasised the urgent need for enhanced efforts and strategic interventions to achieve the target of eradicating gender-based violence by 2030.
Speaking to The Pointer, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Michael Emeshili, stressed the importance of involving men in the fight against gender-based violence. “We aim to encourage greater male involvement because, by listening and observing what’s happening, they can better understand and appreciate the issues affecting society,” he said.
Emeshili who doubles as the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event underscored the urgency of advocacy, noting, “People need to realise that our women should not die needlessly. We cannot continue to disregard the value of motherhood. There is a pressing need for change, and that’s what we are championing in society.”
