By Udeme Hosea

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has launched a sensitization campaign on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at Urua Ebod along Stadium Road and Mbierebe Markets in Uyo to educate traders on various forms of emotional and psychological abuse, violence and harmful traditional practices.

Led by AK-NAWOJ Chairman, Comrade Nsikak Okon, earlier today, the team emphasized the importance of recognizing and reporting GBV cases. They stressed the need for a supportive environment where victims feel empowered to speak out without fear of stigma or retaliation. Both male and female victims were urged to report cases, with assurance that culprits will face prosecution by the Akwa Ibom State government.

During the exercise, NAWOJ read relevant sections of the law to the market men and women, distributed informative pamphlets on GBV, toll-free numbers for help and copies of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law as  part of NAWOJ’s activities marking the 2025 GBV Awareness Month.

The campaign received an overwhelming response from the market traders, who expressed gratitude to NAWOJ for the initiative and pledged their support in the fight against GBV.