Int’l Women Day: Anambra Women Vow to End Rape, Gender Based Violence

By Praise Chinecherem

Women in Nnewi North Local government Area of Anambra state on Friday restated commitment to stamping out killings, rape, rituals and other domestic vices in the area.

Wife of the Council Chairman, Hon Echezona Akachukwu gave the assurance during Road Walk along major roads in the industrial city ahead of International Women’s Day.

Over 200 women, marched round major streets, with placards bearing varying inscriptions, including “Violence is a no no for Anambra Women”, “Ezenwanyi is not our our culture, no rascality”, “victims of GBV should speak out”, “support mr Governors’war against crime”.

Addressing journalists shortly after the rally, Akachukwu decried rising cases of gender based and domestic violence in the area, stressing that the work was targeted at raising public awareness about the vices and their inherent dangers.

She called on both parents and children to shun all forms of ritual practices prevalent in the state such as oke ite, fake practice of Eze nwanyi and Dibias noting that the current administration would not condone rascality of any form.

She said, “Today, we embarked on road show called “Work for Life” which is carried out simultaneously in all the 21 Local Government Areas in the state.

“It’s a movement to protest against all manner of ills and vices in the society like raping of women, killings, rituals, among others.

“We believe that through this exercise, these vices will be placed on the front burner which will in turd lead to their end.

“We want the society to be aware of these ills and their consequences. They are not yielding any fruits to humanity.

“We’ve been embarking on series of other programs to ensure the best for the people of Nnewi North.

“We plan setting up healthy living exercise which will offer women opportunity to exercise so as to remain fit, even at old age.

“We also want to establish a farm in the local government with vegetables and plantain plantation.

Also speaking, Executive Director, Gender Perspective and Social Development Center and member, VAP Implementation Committee, Anekwe Eucharia described the year’s theme, “Accelerating Action” as apt and timely.

She thanked funders of the project, including Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC), European Union, International Ideas and Anambra state government through Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with Supporters of Good Governance.

“We reminded the women on the need to accelerate actions in everything, targeting equality and elimination of Gender Based Violence,” she added.