The Anambra State Coordinator, Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) programme, Mrs Josephine Onah, weekend, identified poverty and cultural practices as major drivers of violence against women and girl-child in the State.
Onah, who listed some of the cultural practices to include early and forced marriages, widowhood rites and girl-child disinheritance, added that those acts were also why gender based violence (GBV) has not reduced despite the existence of Anambra State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2018.
She made the observation in Awka at a conference marking the 2024 edition of 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), organised by the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, with support from the RoLAC Programme and International IDEA.
“Despite legislative efforts, violence against women and girls persists due to entrenched cultural norms, stereotypes, and systemic inequality…We must go beyond laws to address these deep-seated issues,” she added.
Also speaking, the State Commander, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Ibadin Judith Chukwu, urged communities to work collectively to combat violence against women and girls child, while encouraging survivors of GB violence to speak out.
Contributing, the Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area (LGA), Dr. Emeka Ilouno, posited that there was need to grant women their rightful place in society as “The era of relegating women to the background is over. Men must respect women’s rights and exercise self-control, especially during conflicts.”
Earlier, the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, described the conference as a statewide initiative to position Anambra State as a leader in addressing gender-based violence and advancing gender equity.
The conference ended with 14-point recommendations, including the need for establishment of more Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs), Anambra VAPP commission, discouragement of out-of-court settlements in GBV cases, creation of shelters for survivors, establishment of juvenile correction centers, and enhanced multi-sectoral collaborations.
