16 Days of Activism Against GBV: State2state Collaborates with Stakeholders on Practical Solutions
By Ekemini Simon
Civil Society Organizations, Gender Desk officers, and stakeholders from focal local government areas in Akwa Ibom State have identified strategies needed to eliminate Gender-Based Violence in Akwa Ibom State.
As part of the 16 days of activism, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity held a one-day symposium commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at Watbridge Hotel and Suites, Uyo, on Thursday, November 28, 2024,
The event afforded stakeholders the opportunity to put heads together to identify strategies needed to push back GBV. To address GBV in the State, the stakeholders called on the Akwa Ibom State government to integrate gender policy governance to eliminate Gender-Based Violence in the state.
They said there is need for increased sensitisation on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, increased sex education by parents and passage/assent of Disability Bill currently at the State Assembly.
In her remarks, Comrade Ejiro Okotie, State2state Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist, harped on the importance of addressing femicide, digital violence, intimate partner violence, among other forms of GBV.
She said to address GBV, stakeholders must understand that it is a collective fight which affects not only women and girls but also boys and persons with disabilities.
Okotie, said that the 2024 Days of Activism is designed to tackle the identified issues and called on the state government, non-governmental organizations, and agencies working to tackle GBV to be intentional in addressing the menace.
She identified the importance of raising awareness, advocacy, and collaboration to prevent and eliminate Gender-Based Violence in the state.
The Gender Specialist noted that in order to achieve sustainability in ending Gender Based Violence, Survivors of GBv must be supported, there must be policy change, training of individuals and organizations on GBV and provision of financial support to those working to end GBV.
In her goodwill message, the Vice Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, Mrs. Goodness Obot said there is need for intentional action from State Actors and non State Actors in order to eliminate all forms of violence in the State.
She called on women in abusive relationships to speak out and seek help and stressed the need for people not to talk down or discourage those who raise alarms to seek help.
The Vice Chairman thanked State2State for its efforts in raising awareness against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among stakeholders noting that it will go a long way in addressing the menace.
On her part, the Secretary of Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Barr Emem Ette applauded State2State for its interest and consistent actions towards eliminating Gender Based Violence in Akwa Ibom State. She said her office is open to partnership even as they won’t relent in combating GBV in the State.
In her Keynote address, Dr. Aniekan Ekefre of the Department of Gender Studies, University of Uyo, in a keynote address titled “Beijing +30, Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities for Accelerating Gender Equity and Ending Violence against Women and Girls in Akwa Ibom State”, highlighted cultural norms and stigmatization as significant obstacles in the fight against GBV. She emphasized the need for reorientation, Policy inclusion and concerted effort from both genders in order to effectively address the underlying issues of GBV thus making progress in accelerating gender equity.
Meanwhile, the symposium featured panel discussions on tracking transformation, accessing progress towards gender equality, and commitment to action. It also included strategies for accelerating gender equality and ending violence.