Udenu Local Government Secretariat played host to a significant event on Friday, December 6, 2024, as the Office of the First Lady of Enugu State, Her Excellency Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The event, organized in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of Udenu Local Government Chairman, Mrs. Sylvia AkaEzeAka, brought together stakeholders to advocate for an end to violence against women and girls.
With the theme “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” the program aimed to highlight the urgent need for collective action to tackle the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV). The session was enriched by the expertise of trainer Ngozi Ominyi, who provided insightful strategies for preventing and addressing violence against women and girls.
Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender. This includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse, as well as harmful traditional practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). Globally, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime, often at the hands of intimate partners. Such violence not only violates human rights but also undermines the health, dignity, and security of women and girls.
International organizations, including the United Nations, have long championed the fight against GBV. The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (1993), adopted by the UN General Assembly, defines violence against women as a violation of human rights and a manifestation of historically unequal power relations. This landmark charter has guided policies and interventions worldwide.
Similarly, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), often described as an international bill of rights for women, obligates member states to address gender violence through legislation, protection measures, and support for survivors.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), also emphasize the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls as a critical step toward achieving global equity.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah underscored the importance of community engagement in combating GBV. “Ending violence against women and girls requires unity, compassion, and deliberate action from all sectors of society,” she said. Mrs. Sylvia AkaEzeAka, the event’s host, echoed this sentiment, urging local leaders and residents to take a stand against gender violence.
The Vice Chairman of Udenu LGA — Hon. Mrs. Onyinye Odoh was an active Facilitator in the program, while Onyekachi C. Ugwu, another advocate against GBV, moderated.
Trainer Ngozi Ominyi led an interactive session, equipping participants with tools to identify, report, and prevent GBV within their communities. She emphasized the need for both men and women to champion gender equality and support survivors.
The event concluded with a call for sustained advocacy, improved legal frameworks, and community-driven initiatives to protect women and girls from violence. As Enugu State joins the global movement during the 16 Days of Activism, the hope is for a future where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence.
© AkaEzeAka Media Team.
