From TCNEWS
Members of the Abia State Gender Based Violence Response Team, GBVRT have been enjoined to continue to put in relentless efforts in the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence, SGBV in the state.
In a brief speech during the monthly meeting of Abia State GBV Response Team held in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Ngozi Blessing Felix, maintained that for the fight against SGBV to succeed, depends on the team’s commitment and efforts collectively put in the fight.
Pix: Members of the team in a group photograph after the monthly meeting.
The Commissioner who tasked the team to continue to work assiduously in ensuring a society free of GBV and inclusive for all, reminded them that with their timely interventions, the voices of the victims of GBV would be heard.
“I applaud all efforts made by this team in the fight against GBV in the State. Again I appreciate the team spirit and proactive steps imbibe by members despite short notices to GBV incidence in the State. I therefore urge you all to always be on top of your game until Abia State can be compared or greater than states like Lagos and Ekiti in the fight against GBV”, Mrs Felix encouraged the team.
According to her, the essence of the monthly meetings was to review the extent of implementation of the GBVRT terms of reference, share experiences, best practices, challenges, and create possible way forward to effectively fight against GBV in the state.
“We are all key actors in the gender space with a common goal to fight and reduce GBV to it barest minimum in the State. Let all hands be on deck in this fight, for a win in this fight is a plus to this esteemed team.
” I know that this team is non- profit oriented but let us put aside all problems and render these selfless services to humanity”.
“Let’s pay more commitment in the discharge of these humanitarian services for reward must surely come in due course”.
She assured the team of more trainings designed to build their capacity in order to effeciently and effectively carry out the task of kicking out SGBV in the state.
In another development, in its effort to step up campaign for total eradication of sexual and gender based violence, Abia State Advocates in collaboration with Luxterra leadership foundation has embarked on sensitization/awareness campaign to schools in the state.
Addressing about 100 students during the campaign at Ibeku High School, Umuahia, the Abia State Advocates focal person, Mrs Kate Ekemini decried that the monster SGBV is killing people more than the dreaded HIV/AIDS.
“SGBV does not know a boy or a girl. It does not recognize the age of the victim or survivor. It does not regard your tribe, region, ethnic background or social status. Everybody is a victim”, Mrs Ekimini buttressed, as she called on all to come together and frustrate the monster out of the society.
Instead of dying in silence and allow the perpetrators go scout free, Ekimini harped on the need for the students to speak up at all times to help their parents and society stay safe and sane.
” Together we can eliminate this hydra headed monster ravaging our society. We should say no to any form of violence against humanity. We should say no to Rape, battering, domestic violence, early marriage, sexual slavery and exploitation and female genital mutilation. Together we can stop the violation of person’s Rights”, Ekimini further preached.
The Abia State Advocates focal person, went further to espouse and expound SGBV violence, its physical, psychological among others associated with the ugly monster.