In a landmark initiative, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, First Lady of Enugu State, has launched the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area (LGA). The theme of the campaign, “United to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” underscores the state’s commitment to eradicating gender-based violence.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
According to report by fountaincare, the event marked the beginning of a statewide grassroots campaign against gender-based violence, with hundreds of women, including schoolgirls, young mothers, and elderly women, in attendance.
Barr. Empress Ugo-Ferdinand, Wife of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Council, emphasized the community’s role in combating violence. “The fight against violence starts within our communities,” she said. “We must all recognize that violence is happening around us, and we must be proactive in addressing it.”
Representing the NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Mrs. Olayi Judith Chinyere identified key drivers of gender-based violence, including child labor, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence, and harmful traditional practices. She urged women to seek help and announced plans to establish Human Trafficking and GBV vanguards in 50 schools across Enugu State.
Mrs. Eze Pepetual Nwanneka, founder of the Girls Growth and Mentorship Initiative, stressed the importance of education and skills acquisition for women’s empowerment.
The event featured a medical outreach, distribution of sanitary pads, food items, clothing, and educational materials to students, courtesy of Custos Care Foundation, Brook Laurels Academy, and NAPTIP.
Key dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Hon. Mrs. Princess Chinwendu, PDP Party Chairman Engr. Ejike Amaedu, and Wife of Udenu LGA Chairman, Mrs. Aka Eze Aka.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has demonstrated a strong commitment to ending gender-based violence, recognizing the importance of protecting women and girls from abuse.
This initiative aligns with international efforts to combat gender-based violence, highlighting the need for collective action to ensure access to essential health services and promote women’s empowerment.