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By our correspondent
An ardent Women advocate and Lead mentor,Women Mediators Dr. Rhoda Udenyi has called for the need to prioritize elimination of Sexual and gender based violence ( SGBV) in the world at the highest levels.
The reason she explained is to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls globally.
Undenyi who is the lead focal person, Riyom Local Government Area disclosed this in a paper presentation on the 16 ways of ending GBV in a program organised by Women lead mediators, Women in Peace security and media network, trained by CLEEN Foundation, funded by the UN Women and supported by the Norwegian embassy.
Krestnews.com reports ttgat llhe one day event was held at the forgiveness garden in Jos, the Plateau state capital, as part of the commemoration of the global 16 days of Activism Against Gender – Based Violence.
The 2024 theme: “Towards 30 years of Beijing Declaration and platform for action; Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls” Which underscores the on going struggle to eliminate violence against women and girls.
While calling on government to develop or review laws addressing “SGBV,involving victims and survivors in the process, should ensure that legislatorsand policies include a comprehensive definitions of all forms of SGBV including intimate partners violence, marital rape, sexual harassment, child early force marriage, and female genital mutilation, end impunity of perpetrators of SGBV”
For that to be effective, the women led mentor urged government to increase funding for SGBV prevention, mitigation and response, prioritize reaching the most marginalized populations, including people, indigenous people and people living with disabilities “
Speaking earlier Veronica Abe, the State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Jos. Plateau State said, the commission is overwhelmed by the volume of cases, this year alone, we received over 1,000 reports of human rights violations, with 83% of them related to sexual and gender-based violence.
As part of the activities to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism, an annual event aimed at celebrating women and girls while advocating for the elimination of violence against them.
She emphasize that violence against women and girls is a cankerworm deeply embedded in our social fabric. It is also underreported due to stigmatization. Even when violations are reported, many cases are withdrawn, allowing perpetrators to escape justice. This must stop.
While urging governtment to hold perpetrators accountable and establish the necessary institutions and infrastructure, saying that,”We need Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARC), which act as one-stop facilities providing counseling, medical, and legal support to victims.
The State Coordinator explained that,the commission is overwhelmed by the volume of cases. This year alone, we received over 1,000 reports of human rights violations, with 83% of them related to sexual and gender-based violence.
On her Justina-Mike Ngwobia Co-Chair described the day significant and historical because in the past, women were not given a seat at the table. Women were only meant to be seen and not heard. But today, the narrative is changing.
“Now, we have women in leadership, and by God’s grace, I have the privilege of being one of them. I am proud to introduce myself as Elder Chief Justina Maike Ngobya.”she stated .
“As the lead woman mentor for Plateau State in this project, which we execute in collaboration with UN Women and with support from the Norwegian Embassy, I represent efforts driven by organizations like the CLEEN Foundation,together with various CSOs, the media network, and the HeForShe network, we are committed to amplifying the voices of women and girls in our communities.
” I’m particularly pleased that the HeForShe campaign involves men who are ready to advocate alongside with us, fighting among ourselves and violating one another only hinders our progress”
Adding that true development happens when men and women collaborate and sit at the table together”
She appreciated UN Women for creating platforms that empower women in Plateau State, across Nigeria, and ɓ.
Also a Development Worker and Gender Expert Gad Peter,
added his voice in saying no Excuses as part of the 16 Days of Activism and to encourage all women to work together toward a better future—for women, for the country, and for humanity” adding
My aim is to ensure we create a life that is better for everyone, but particularly for women.” He said .
Gad urged the government and stakeholders to invest in tackling those important issues to create safer communities and a safer world.
High lights of the program were walk, goodwill messages from CSOs,PPPN,PPB,WPS Structures, CLEEN Foundation and NO, experience sharing from communities on GBV and actions taken to tackle such. Please with disabilities were also part of the celebration.
