Participants at a one-day round table have called for strong synergy across government and non-governmental circles to reduce incidents of Gender Based Violence, GBV, to the barest minimum.
The round table was organized by the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC as part of activities marking the 16 days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.
The participants called on non-governmental as well as faith based and community based organizations to join forces to tackle the problem.
They were of the view that efforts aimed at reducing GBV incidents must be holistic and comprehensive.
They also identified strict enforcement of the law as critical to successful battle against GBV.
“NHRC should be more visible in Anambra State”, one of them said.
Earlier in an address, the Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission in the state, Mr Obinna Maduforo, regretted the rate at which violence is perpetrated in the area, especially against women and girls.
He attributed the development to various factors including ignorance of the law.
Mr Maduforo and other participants agreed to the need to intensify education and sensitization campaign against the scourge, which had claimed several lives across the state and the country at large.
“We receive average of two complaints per day bothering on gender based violence. Help us spread awareness towards stopping impunity against women and girls”
“We must make the society appreciate the fact that this culture must not continue. We have called you today to join forces with us. Let our people know that these are criminal offences and if caught, they will go to jail,” NHRC Coordinator warned.
