BY Petrus Obi
The 16 days of activism against Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Enugu may have ended but the echoes still reverberate across the state.
From the 25th day of November 2022, when the very active members of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC Enugu State, joined the rest of the world in marking the International day on the Elimination of the violence against women and girls, there was no stopping the team, as the campaign rolled on successfully and smoothly.
Officers of the Commission and some Civil Society Groups had stormed the Enugu State Government House to see the Wife of the Governor to kick start the 16 days of activism.
Even though the Governor’s wife was out of town, the Lion Building, (Enugu seat of power) knew there were visitors.
It wasn’t the usual protests by communities, or villagers seeking assistance or intervention by Government, neither was it a normal politcial visit by one group or the other.
With well cut messages on both banners and placards, the visit of the members of the National Human Rights Commission, and other Civil Society Groups could not be mistaken
It was a clear message to end violence against women.
The State Coordinator of NHRC Dr Valentine Madubuko spoke about the essence of the activism on SGBV and the International Human Rights Day celebration. He also granted interview to the member of the press, responding accordingly to all issues raised as regards the event of the day.
From the State House, the group moved to the State Headquarters of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) where another colourful event was put together to mark the special day
Amongst the groups were CSOs like Heroine Women Foundation, Ihuoma Girls Foundation and Better Tomorrow Foundation.
Speakers harping on the essence of the day and the need for all to join hands together to end SGBV, just like the theme of the day, ” UNITE! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls”.
The State Coordinator, Dr Valentine also spoke on the need to work together with key stakeholders to end SGBV.
NAPTIP Zonal Commander, Barr Nneka Ajie in her opening remarks noted that human trafficking is a form of GBV and called for partnership amongst stakeholders to drive the right message home about SGBV.
Amb Onyinye Mamah, Executive Director, Heroine Women Foundation and State Sub Committee Chairman on GBV Welfare and Support spoke extensively on unity in purpose in the fight against SGBV amongst stakeholders and specially thanked the NHRC Enugu for their steadfastness in the struggle.
It was just day one. Other activities that followed includes the visits to media houses including the NTA and Solid FM, all in Enugu.
There were also visits to the Speaker of the State Assembly, the Chief Judge, the Commissioner of Police among others.
