Wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Eno has described Gender-Based Violence, GBV, as not just a violation of human rights but a devastating public health issue that affects individuals, families, and communities.
She noted that GBV robs survivors of their dignity, impedes their potential and hinders societal collective progress, adding that all hands must be on deck to address the menace.
Mrs Eno made the assertion in Uyo during the opening ceremony of the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Month, tagged: ‘Implementing the Akwa Ibom State Violence Against Persons (prohibition) law 2020 from awareness to action.’
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Governor’s wife said the fight against Gender-Based Violence is not only a fight for women and girls but a fight for justice and equality for all, including men and boys.
She applauded the commitment of members of the Gender-Based Violence Management Committee in ensuring a reduction in the alarming number of cases of human rights violations in the state.
According to her, “I am proud of the efforts already made by the Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, the Coalition against GBV and partners. Gender-based violence is not just a violation of human rights but a devastating public health issue with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities. It robs survivors of their dignity, impedes their potential and hinders our collective progress.”
She urged Akwa Ibom people to actively participate in the campaign, to speak out, support survivors and to challenge the norms that perpetuate violence.
Presenting a keynote address on the theme of the event, “Implementing the Akwa Ibom State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2020: from Awareness to Action”, the Dean, Faculty of Law University of Uyo, Professor Mojisola Eseyin, called for the establishment of special GBV courts to ensure that GBV cases are handled with urgency, sensitivity and expertise.
Professor Eseyin also recommended adequate funding, the establishment of therapeutic centres in all the Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State and the creation of GBV response units in churches and other Religious Organisations, as some of the modalities needed, to expedite pending cases and hasten the judicial process.
Setting the tone for the ceremony, the Secretary of the State GBV Management Committee, Emem Ette narrated an ugly incident of abuse that recently led to the untimely demise of a female victim, stating that response to GBV crimes is a collective responsibility by citizens who should look out for their neighbours and reach out for help where needed.
Ette informed the stakeholders and partners that the GBV awareness campaign which holds throughout the month of June, is targeted at drawing attention to the scourge of abuse and rape in society.
GBV devastating public health issue in Akwa Ibom – First Lady, Patience