WACOL, Ford Foundation Demands Elimination of Violence Against Women

Delta State Fifty -Fifty Action Women in collaboration with Women Aid Collective (WACOL) and support from Ford Foundation has organized a walk to commemorate the 2022 International day for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

The event held today, at Asaba, with the theme “Unite! Activism to End violence against women and girls” officially kick-starts the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the world.

Also, call on all Stakeholders as well as traditional rulers to take more effective action to stop violence against women, and girls especially harmful cultural practices,
Speaking during the event, the leader of the group, Mrs Pat Gbemudu, explained the march is aimed at raising awareness on the spate of violence against females in the society.

Gbemudu called on all Stakeholders as well as traditional rulers to take more effective action to stop violence against women, and girls especially harmful cultural practices,

She said the demands of the group includes ; “Effective Implementation of the VAPP and all existing Laws criminalizing VAWG, especially Harmful widowhood practices

“ Effective implementation by all communities of the states of emergency on VAWG declared by the Nigerian Governors Forum (2020)

“ Communities with immediate effect to integrate the Supreme Court Judgement on the Right of Girl-child to property inheritance into their constitution.

“ All communities to include Women and girls into leadership positions of community governance structures such as cabinet, town union, and youth wing – through more inclusive processes for elective classes. Clearly spelled out in the constitution.”

Responding, the commissioner of Women Affairs, Mrs Flora Alanta observed that the gird -child needs protection because of her sensitiveness to the happenings around her.

The commissioner who was represented by the permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Kevwe Agas , noted that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration has been executing a lot of programs aimed at empowering and protecting women in the State.

On his part, the State Attorney General,  Bozimo Isaiah Esq said the Governor is passionate about guarding the interest of women and girls in the society, adding that his zeal the protection of the girl-child made him sign the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law.

AKameguna Esq. who represented the Attorney General affirmed that the recently established Delta State Sexual Assault Referral Center ( SARC ) center where victims of sexual assault can access free medical, psychological, as well as legal support is a proof of the Governors’ commitment to the course of women in Delta.

High point of the event was the presentation of the requests on Ending Violence and harmful practices  to the Commissioner of women Affairs.