By Diana Omueza
Women Education Advocacy Development Initiatives (WEADI) an NGO, has urged the Federal Government and stakeholders to scale-up financial investments in campaigns against Gender-Base Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
The Executive Director of the group, Dr Regina Omo-Agege, stated this at a news conference in Abuja.
She said the conference was organised as part of the organisation’s activities to commemorate the 2023 global 16 days of activism campaign against GBV.
Omo-Agege, said that the government and relevant stakeholders must unite across borders and backgrounds, to recognize that the fight against GBV require collective financial and emotional investments.
“The 16 days of activism is a crucial juncture in the ongoing battle for a just and safer world, stressing that the 2023 theme, underscores the urgent need for unity and investments to create lasting change.
“We must all unite across borders, disciplines, and backgrounds, bearing in mind that the fight against gender-based violence is a social responsibility.
“Only through unity can we amplify our impact and dismantle the structures that trigger violence against women and girls,” she said.
The director called for dedication to implement and execute projects, provision of educational resource materials, and creation of support systems.
She highlighted the need for government and stakeholders to lay a solid foundation to secure a future for women and girls.
Furthermore, she said that the globally marked 16days of activism, was a rallying point for change and the government should dismantle foundations against GBV.
Also, she stressed the need for government to strengthen preventive measures and empower survivors.
The director further urged women and girls and the society to embrace the speak-up culture against violence and encouraged victims to break the silence.
Ms Khadijat Shuahib, a Gender Advocate, advised parents and guardians to break barriers against the girl child by creating a safe space for them to strive.
Shuahib said the home front was a crucial starting point for a lasting change in the society.
Mrs Chinyere Francis, the Founder of Wise Women With Initiatives (WWWI), also advised male counterpart in the society, to champion the fight against gender-based violence.(NAN)
