Edo NAWOJ: Activism Against Gender Based Violence

Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Edo State on Monday held a rally to mark this year’s International day for the elimination of violence against women.

The theme for this year is UNITE! INVEST TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS.

This year’s event is marked with “16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence” which kicked off on 25th of November and it is expected to end on the 10th of December.

The Women gathered to make their voices loud and clear against the havoc been caused by Gender Based Violence.

Ably led by the State Chairperson, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan, the women in their large numbers held various placards with inscriptions such as “PUSH FORWARD ACT TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS, CHANGE THE STORY, CREATE A SAFE FUTURE, STOP PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE AND CONTROLLING BEHAVIORS ON WOMEN amongst others.

Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan said there was a need to encourage women in the society to get empowered in anything they do to earn a living. The girl child should be encouraged to take her academic seriously and avoid unwanted pregnancies which could lead to the detriment of her future.

She further stated that women and girls should always speak up and speak out whenever they are abused so they don’t die in silence.

Chairman, NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Festus Alenkhe re-echoed the need for Government at all levels to provide a well enabling environment for Women and Girls.

The National Trustee of NUJ, Zone F, Dr. Mrs Abimbola Oyetunde, said gone are the days when children would be raped and women will be harassed and the perpetrators will go unpunished.

The rally which took off at the NUJ Press Center, Benin City made a stop-over at the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, where they were received warmly by the Commissioner of the Ministry, Mrs Christabel Omoh Ekwu, represented by Mrs Irenosen Ihensekhien, Director of Gender Issues (MSDGI).

She appreciates the Nigeria Association of Women Journalist, NAWOJ Edo state for joining forces with the Ministry in celebrating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.

A Cross Section of women at the rally shared their views on the importance of the event by calling on agencies and the media to help in the fight against the frequent molestation of women and girls.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is an annual campaign that begins on the 25th of November, the International day for the elimination of Violence against women and ends on International Human Rights Day on the 10th of December, 2023.