By Praise Chinecherem
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Anambra state has expressed worry over the rate at which violence is perpetrated in the state, especially against women and girls.
State Coordinator, Mr Obinna Maduforo stated this in Awka at a round table organized by the Commission as part of activities marking the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.
He attributed the development to various factors, including ignorance of the law.
Maduforo underscored the need to intensify education and sensitization campaign against the scourge, which had claimed several lives across the state and the country at large.
“We receive average of two complaints per day bothering on gender based violence. Help us spread awareness towards stopping impunity against women and girls.
“We must make the society appreciate the fact that this culture must not continue. We have called you today to join forces with us. Let our people know that these are criminal offences and if caught, they will go to jail,” he warned.
Participants at the event called for strong synergy across government and non-governmental circles to reduce incidents of Gender Based Violence, GBV, to the barest minimum.
One of them, Mrs Eucharia Anekwe, Executive Director of Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre, called on non-governmental as well as faith based and community based organizations to join forces to tackle the problem.
While identifying strict enforcement of the law as critical to successful battle against GBV, Anekwe maintained that efforts aimed at reducing GBV incidents must be holistic and comprehensive.
“Non-governmental as well as faith and community based organizations must join forces to tackle the menace.
“NHRC should also be more visible in Anambra State”, she said.
