Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The First Lady of Enugu State, Nkechinyere Mbah, in collaboration with the wife of Aninri Local Government Area Chairman, Dorothy Nwanjoku, has intensified the fight against gender-based violence in Aninri as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Nwanjoku who spoke during the commemoration of the event at the headquarters of the local government, highlighted the need for women to recognise their rights and speak out against abuse.
“We are marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence today through the help of our beautiful mother, Nkechinyere Mbah, and with the support of Custos Care Foundation. We are here to educate our women on what gender-based violence is and to remind them that they have rights,” she said.
Highlighting various forms of abuse, Nwanjoku encouraged women to speak up whenever their rights are infringed upon, whether through physical violence, sexual abuse, or other violations.
She expressed optimism that the event would mark a turning point for women in Aninri, stating that, “with the help of the monitors inaugurated today, I believe we will see great changes soon.”
The Managing Director of Custos Care Foundation, the First Lady’s pet project, Egodi Igwe, explained that the foundation has been collaborating with stakeholders across Enugu State to raise awareness and initiate action at the grassroots level.
“We are in Aninri today to mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This campaign, which began on November 25, is being taken to all 17 local government areas of the state,” Igwe said.
She further revealed that monitoring teams, like the newly inaugurated Women Vanguard in Aninri, would play a key role in driving the campaign against gender-based violence.
“These women will act as agents of change, spreading the message to communities and ensuring it reaches every corner of the local government.”
Commending the Enugu First Lady for her proactive approach to issues affecting women and children, Igwe noted, “The work she is doing is very commendable.
“This initiative, which began at the state level, is now being stepped down to local government areas, where community leaders, women groups, and other stakeholders will ensure the message gets to the last person.”
