Protection of women and girls against gender based violence and an investment in the right of girls have been underscored as important drivers to an equitable and inclusive society.
This assertion was amplified by the Director for Centre for Young People Development and Poverty Alleviation Initiative, Pastor Robert Boniface during the flag-off of the 16 days activism in Uyo.
The 16 Days Activism is an annual United Nations campaign that addresses gender-based violence and sexual offenses against women and girls, serving as a platform to raise awareness about gender issues.
The celebration this year had as its theme “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”, urged stakeholders and organizations to collaborate and share action plans aimed at eradicating gender-based violence.
UN statistics reveal that violence against women and girls persists as a widespread human rights violation globally.
Approximately 736 million women, nearly one in three, have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both during their lives. This issue has escalated in various settings, including workplaces and online spaces, and has been exacerbated by post-pandemic effects, conflicts, and climate change, according to the UN
Like the world over, the celebration to mark the day kicked off from Water fountain, Edet Akpan Avenue enroute Nwaniba road and terminated at the University of Uyo Permanent Site, Uyo where CYDPAN collaborated with sister organizations, collectively advocating for the end of GBV.
Speaking on the importance of a GBV free society, CYDPAN Director noted that women and girls can unleash their full potential only in an environment where their right to life is not jeopardized by perpetrators and men.
Pastor Boniface underscored that gender-based violence constitutes a widespread violation of human rights, resulting in enduring traumas, depression, and other mental health issues for survivors, and he stressed that such behavior should not be tolerated in any well-functioning society.
Affirming that women and girls have the right to take pride in their community, the CYDPAN Director noted that there is no valid reason for men to strip women of their right to life in an attempt to assert their masculinity and uphold patriarchal norms.
On how CYDPAN is investing to end violence against women and girls, CYDPAN Director revealed that the organization plans to unveil initiatives focused on preventing gender-based violence in rural communities. Additionally, educational outreach programs will be organized to teach students about the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in the coming days.
He further revealed that the well-designed program will extend its reach to market women and vulnerable individuals, offering guidance to survivors on seeking assistance and reintegrating as valued members of society.
Also, he disclosed CYDPAN plans to enhance its investment in women and girls within its education and skill acquisition initiatives by providing women with transformative opportunities aimed at strengthening both their financial and mental capacities.
Meanwhile, during the walk, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the wife of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, issued a stern warning to perpetrators of gender-based violence and individuals who derive satisfaction from molesting girls.
She stressed that the VAPP Law would show no leniency to any offender caught in such acts.
“I am here today as the Chairperson of this Committee to flag-off this 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in the State. Henceforth, it will not be business as usual. I am calling on our men to support this advocacy by saying no to rape and all forms of abuse against women and the girl-child. Let’s put a stop to this menace,” she added.
