Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Human rights organisations dedicated to the eradication of gender-based violence (GBV) in Anambra State have joined forces with various partners to advocate for justice for survivors of GBV in the state.
The State Advocacy Team (SAT) of the Coalition of Civil Society Networks on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, along with other network partners, recently conducted an advocacy visit to the State Coordinator of Child Protection Network (CPN) in Awka, the state capital.
The Team Lead, Mrs Ifenyinwa Unachukwu, who is also the Anambra State Coordinator of TB Network, highlighted the importance of the visit in raising awareness about the prevalence of GBV in the state.
According to her, the meeting aimed to build solidarity with partners and inspire others to join the fight against GBV to create a future free from violence and discrimination.
“Our goal is to establish support services for victims and survivors of GBV, challenge harmful societal norms that perpetuate violence, and promote gender equality and women’s rights,” she stated.
Mrs Unachukwu emphasised the various forms in which GBV presents itself, including domestic abuse, verbal aggression, physical violence, rape, forced early marriages, incest, female genital cutting, acid attacks, and even killings.
She stressed the need for strategic interventions to address GBV and other barriers faced by women and girls in society.
The State Programme Officer, Onyekachi Ololo, earlier highlighted that TB Network being the lead Network of the ATM Networks in the state is committed to fighting GBV/GHR cases in the state.
He added that the network has shown commitment through the support of the Global Fund’s GF/NACA/C19RM/CSS Intervention to engage Case Managers who have been deployed for active case finding of GBV/GHR issues in the state.
In response, Mrs Eucharia Anaekwe, the State Coordinator of CPN, expressed her appreciation for the visit and affirmed the organisation’s full support for the fight against GBV.
“Child Protection Network (CPN) is fully committed to supporting efforts to combat GBV, especially when it involves children. We will work closely with the SAT to help achieve their objectives,” she assured.
Mrs Anaekwe stressed the importance of extending the collaboration to the state Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, emphasising their crucial role in creating a society free from gender discrimination and violence.
