Wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs Rachel Umahi.
BY NKECHINYERE OGINYI
The wife of Ebonyi State Governor, Mrs. Rachael Umahi, Tuesday took the leadership of traditional rulers and the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN on the need to speak up against all forms of gender-based violence, and other harmful practices in the zone.
Mrs. Umahi said the GBV was rapidly on the increase in the southeast especially in Ebonyi and Imo states despite the efforts been made against the act by the EU - UN spotlight initiative.
She made the call in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state on Tuesday during the Traditional, and Religious Leaders southeast summit on ending Gender-Based Violence and harmful practices organized by her office with support from the spotlight initiative.
Represented by the Special Assistant to the state governor on Welfare Matters, Mrs. Patience Ofor Okorie, Mrs. Umahi noted that the traditional and religious leaders know the best approach to eliminate the phenomenon as groups that are always with the masses.
“The reason for this summit is to discuss the best way to end Gender-Based Violence and other harmful practices in our zone.
“Through my pet project, family succor, and upliftment foundation, we discovered some pertinent challenges facing our people especially Female Genital Mutilation, rape, child labor, harmful traditional practices, and other forms of Gender-Based Violence. These problems are seriously being addressed.
“However, with all the efforts made so far, Gender-Based Violence is sadly on the increase especially in Ebonyi and Imo states. Therefore, we should ultimately resolve to come together to end GBV in the southeast.
“I believe that this our resolve is demonstrated by your presence today. By the reason of coming here, you are going home to carry this message. As religious and traditional rulers and religious leaders, I know you are always with the people and know the best approach to eliminate this malady. I need your support at this critical time to save victims most of whom are women and children”.
Chairman, southeast Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRH Charles Mkpuma assured that traditional rulers in the zone would be serious in the fight against the acts.
Evag Chukwuma Elom coordinator Family occur and upliftment decried the increasing rate of GBV in the state. "how can we continue to leave in a society where the violence of women and girls are the order of the day.
It is on this note that I charge us to find a solution to GBV in Ebonyi
Commissioner for women affairs Mrs Deborah Okah in her address noted that Ebonyi is one of the states promoting gender equality and assured that her ministry will continue to partner family succure to end GBV in Ebonyi state.
Daniel Umazurike, commissioner for health on his part, noted that GBV contributes to an increase in the maternal mortality rate, and said the government has to develop laws, policies, and strategies on how to end violence against women and girls.
