'Identify with victims of injustice'
By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha Women in Anambra state have been urged to identify with victims of various forms of injustice before blaming them over their predicament. The advice was given
By Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha
Women in Anambra state have been urged to identify with victims of various forms of injustice before blaming them over their predicament.
The advice was given during town hall meeting and media engagement in Ufuma in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state as part of activities marking International Women's Day celebrations.
The engagement was organized by Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development with support from RoLAC, and funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA) in Nigeria.
Addressing the community women, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Chinwe Achugbu described the year's theme, "Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls," as apt and timely.
She identified one of the actions expected of the women to include rallying round victims of gender based violence and ensuring justices were served.
"The woman whose right was denied for example is already a victim, and as a result, passing through lots of physiological and psychological trauma.
"Blaming her at that point will only be compounding her problem which can lead to depression or even death. It's not a time to blame, but time to rescue her. That's one of the actions we're talking about," she added.
Achugbu appreciated the partners for their collaboration, just as she thanked leadership of the community for organizing the women, urging them to take advantage of the rare opportunity to better their lots.
Earlier, RoLAC Anambra Project Coordinator, Dr Josephine Onah said policies and commitments were no longer enough to address challenges facing women, stressing that tangible actions were needed to ensure their freedom and justice.
Onah, represented by State Associate Project Officer, James Osubor commended the women for turning out in their large numbers, urging them to be attentive to the messages in order to draw lessons for their future benefits.
Responding, local government Chairman, Bar Casmir Nwafor, represented by Chisom Sandra appreciated the organizers for the choice of the Council Area for the outreach, assuring maximum utilization of the opportunity.
President General of Ufuma community, Rtd Commodore Amaobi Offor represented by Nwankwo Obiora assured that the knowledge garnered from the engagement would be added to the ones the women already possessed.