… Calls for Inclusion of Gender Policy Governance

By Udeme Hosea

 As part of the 16 days of activism, USAID State2State has called on the Akwa Ibom State government to integrate gender policy governance to eliminate Gender-Based Violence in the state.

Speaking at a one-day symposium commemorating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) held at Watbridge Hotel and Suites, Uyo, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Comrade Ejiro Okotie, a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist, emphasized the importance of addressing femicide, digital violence, intimate partner violence, and other forms of GBV.

Okotie, stressed that the 2024 Days of Activism aims to tackle these issues and called on the state government, non-governmental organizations, and agencies working against GBV to be intentional in addressing the menace, highlighted, the importance of raising awareness, advocacy, and collaboration to prevent and eliminate Gender-Based Violence in the state.

To achieve sustainability in ending Gender Based Violence, Okotie , recommended  Support for Survivors, advocate for Policy Change, training of  individuals and organizations on GBV and providing financial support to those working to end it  as mechanisms.

Dr. Aniekan Ekefre of the Department of Gender Studies, University of Uyo, in a keynote address titled “Beijing +30, Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities for Accelerating Gender Equity and Ending Violence against Women and Girls in Akwa Ibom State”,  highlighted cultural norms and stigmatization as significant obstacles in the fight against GBV,  emphasized  the need to address these underlying issues to make progress in accelerating gender equity.

Mrs. Goodness Obot, Vice Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, in her goodwill message commended USAID State2State for their efforts in raising awareness against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among stakeholders, emphasized the need for intentional action to eliminate all forms of violence in the state.

She encouraged women in abusive relationships to speak out and seek help, stressing that commitment to action is crucial in fighting GBV.

Meanwhile, Barr Emem Ette, Secretary of Akwa Ibom State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, who thanked USAID State2State for their involvement in eliminating Gender Based Violence, enumerated   the importance of stakeholders’ participation in the campaign against violence, discussed daily programs to mark the 16 days of activism by the Coalition against Gender Based Violence.

The symposium featured panel discussions on tracking transformation, accessing progress towards gender equality, and commitment to action. It also included strategies for accelerating gender equality and ending violence.

The event brought together Civil Society Organizations, Gender Desk officers, and stakeholders from five focal local government areas.