Emma Elekwa
Stakeholders have urged women in Anambra State to shatter the chains of oppression and stand up against rights violations and abuse in their localities.
They made the call at a town hall meeting in Anaku, Ayamelum Local Government Area, as part of activities marking International Women’s Day themed “Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls,”
The engagement was organized by Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development with support from RoLAC, and funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA) in Nigeria.
The stakeholders decried prevalence of violence and abuse against women in the state, citing cases of domestic violence, rape, and denial of inheritance rights, among others.
They emphasized the need for collective action to create safe and just society where women can live without fear of violence or discrimination.
Declaring the event open, RoLAC Anambra Project Coordinator, Dr Josephine Onah, stated that policies and commitments were no longer enough to address the challenges facing women, and that tangible actions were needed to ensure their freedom and justice.
Time to take charge
“It’s time for women to take charge of their lives and demand their rights. Time has come for women to support one another in reporting cases of abuse and seeking justice.
“We use this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day to remind ourselves that there are people that are still not living free from violence.
“Our gathering is to throw up some conversations and then remind the gatekeepers, traditional rulers and all the people that are in government that the issue relating to women should go beyond policies.
“We have to move into action and do things intentionally to take away limitations affecting women.
“It should be that every woman on earth should live out everyday of her life free of violence,” she said.
Corroborating Onah, Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chinwe Achugbu stressed women’s substantial impact on state’s growth and development.
According to her, government has domesticated laws to ensure women and children were safe in the state, just as she urged women to take advantage of the available support systems to seek justice when their rights are violated.
Presenting a paper on “Accessing Justice and Legal Protection for Women: Navigating the Justice System Through Understanding Access To Legal Assistance and Procedures,” Chukwudozie Ifiora said limited access to justice and effective legal protection has become one of the most significant challenges facing women in the country.
Navigating the justice system
He urged women to grasp legal tools and navigate the justice system to tap into available protections.
A rights activist, Rachael Yohanna listed barriers blocking women’s access to justice including lack of legal awareness, financial constraints, cultural pressure, fear of victimization, and delays in the justice system, among others. She walked them through steps to access justice and safeguard their rights.
Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN), Anambra State, Mrs Eucharia Anekwe, stressed the need for community action to stop harmful traditional practices.
She said, “Community leaders should partner with relevant institutions to protect women’s rights.
“We must work together to create a safe environment for women and girls.”
Speaking, another human rights activist, Ugochi Freeman, who spoke on “Building Women,” encouraged parents to initiate positive change from their homes.
She emphasized that the way they raise and treat their children, especially girls, shapes the next generation’s values and perspectives on gender equality.
“Parents should teach their children values that promote equality and respect for women’s rights.
“We must raise responsible children to create a better world,” Freeman said.
Other speakers, including Mrs. Loveth Onyendilefu, Coordinator of the VAPP law Committee in the state, submitted that women should enjoy equal rights and opportunities as men.
“Women should have support systems and know how to seek justice when their rights are infringed upon.
“We must work together to create a just society,” Onyendilefu said.
