IGBO-EZE SOUTH: Enugu First Lady Kicks-Off '16-Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence'
Earlier today, the First Lady of Enugu state, Her Excellency, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, flaged-off the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Igbo-Eze South Local Government Headquarters, Ibagwa-Aka, under the theme, 'United to End Violence Against Women and Girls'. This event is part of her state-wide grassroots campaign against gender-based violence.
In her speech, Barr. Empress Ugo-Ferdinand, the Wife of the Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Council, expressed her appreciation to the Wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, for her leadership in the campaign against gender-based violence. She emphasized that the fight against violence starts within the community, stating, "We must all recognize that violence is happening around us, and we must be proactive in addressing it." She urged everyone to speak up and report any signs of abuse to the relevant authorities, including her office, saying, "If you notice any form of abuse, do not hesitate to report it to us; we are here to support you."
Barr. Ugo-Ferdinand also stressed the importance of keeping children engaged during the Christmas holidays and ensuring they are closely monitored, adding, "This festive season, we must make sure our children are safe and occupied with positive activities." Lastly, she encouraged parents to prioritize sex education for their children, describing it as "a critical step in safeguarding them from abuse and exploitation."
Representing the NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Barr. Sam Offiah, Mrs Olayi Judith Chinyere addressed the audience. She identified key drivers of gender-based violence, including child labour, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence, and harmful traditional practices. She urged women to leave abusive relationships and announced plans to establish Human Trafficking and GBV vanguards in 50 schools across Enugu Stat
Mrs Eze Pepetual Nwanneka, founder of the Girls Growth and Mentorship Initiative, encouraged women and girls to prioritise education and skills acquisition as pathways to empowerment and equality.
The Chairman of Igbo-Eze South Local Government Council, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, speaking on the event, praised the First Lady’s efforts and congratulated the women present, urging them to reflect on the discussions and take active steps to end GBV.
The event welcomed hundreds of women, including schoolgirls, young mothers, middle-aged women, elderly women, and persons with disabilities, drawn from all twenty wards of Igbo-Eze South.
One of the highlights of the event includes a medical outreach, distribution of sanitary pads, food items, clothing, and educational materials to students, powered by Custos Care Foundation, Brook Laurels Academy, and NAPTIP.
Through initiatives like this, Enugu State under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah is taking bold steps toward creating a society where women and girls are safe, empowered, and free from violence.
The programme provided a platform to amplify calls for an end to violence against women and girls. It highlighted the importance of protecting them from gender-based violence and ensuring access to essential health services.
Source: FountainCare Reporters
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