‘Rise above rights violation, abuses’
Concerned stakeholders have challenged women in Anambra State to shatter the chains of oppression and stand up against rights violations and abuse in their localities. They spoke during a town
Concerned stakeholders have challenged women in Anambra State to shatter the chains of oppression and stand up against rights violations and abuse in their localities.
They spoke during a town hall meeting held in selected communities across the three senatorial zones in the state, as part of activities marking International Women’s Day with the theme: “Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls”.
The meeting was convened by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, with support from RoLAC, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA) in Nigeria.
The selected communities were Anaku in Ayamelum Local Government, Enugu-Agidi in Njikoka Local Government and Ufuma in Orumba North Council.
The stakeholders decried prevalence of violence and abuse against women in the state, citing cases of domestic violence, rape and denial of inheritance rights, among others.
They stressed the need for collective action to create safe and just society where women could live without fear of violence or discrimination.
State Project Coordinator, International IDEA, Josephine Onah, highlighted the importance of collective commitment towards promoting equal rights, expanding opportunities ‘’and ensuring justice and protection for women and girls in our society.’’
She says the programme is designed to raise awareness, encourage dialogue and strengthen partnerships aimed at advancing gender equality and social inclusion.
She said policies and commitments were no longer enough to address the challenges facing women, adding that tangible actions were needed to ensure their freedom and justice.
Said she: “It’s time for women to take charge of their lives and demand their rights. Time has come for women to support one another in reporting cases of abuse and seeking justice.
“We use this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day to remind ourselves that there are people that are still not living free from violence.
“We gather to throw up some conversations and then remind the gatekeepers, traditional rulers and all the people that are in government that the issue relating to women should go beyond policies.
“We have to move into action. We have to do things intentionally to take away limitations affecting women. It should be that every woman on earth should live out everyday of her life free of violence.”
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chinwe Achugbu, stressed women’s substantial impact on state’s growth and development.
According to her, government has domesticated laws to ensure women and children are safe in the state.
She urged women to take advantage of the available support systems to seek justice when their rights were violated.
Presenting a paper on “Accessing Justice and Legal Protection for Women: Navigating the Justice System Through Understanding Access To Legal Assistance and Procedures,” Chukwudozie Ifiora said limited access to justice and effective legal protection had become one of the most significant challenges facing women in the country.
He advised women to grasp legal tools and navigate the justice system to tap into available protections.
A rights activist, Rachael Yohanna, listed barriers blocking women’s access to justice to include lack of legal awareness, financial constraints, cultural pressure, fear of victimisation and delays in the justice system, among others.
Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN), Anambra State, Mrs Eucharia Anekwe, stressed the need for community action to stop harmful traditional practices.
“Community leaders should partner with relevant institutions to protect women’s rights. We must work together to create a safe environment for women and girls,” she said.
Another human rights activist, Ugochi Freeman, who spoke on ‘Building Women’, encouraged parents to initiate positive change from their homes, emphasising that the way they raise and treat their children, especially girls, shape the next generation’s values and perspectives on gender equality.
“Parents should teach their children values that promote equality and respect for women’s rights. We must raise responsible children to create a better world,” she said.
Other speakers, including Mrs. Loveth Onyendilefu, coordinator of the VAPP Law Committee in the state, noted that women should enjoy equal rights and opportunities as men.
“Women should have support systems and know how to seek justice when their rights are infringed upon. We must work together to create a just society,” Onyendilefu said.
