By Ifeizu Joe
Wife of the Governor of Anambra Anambra State, Mrs Nonye Soludo has urged women facing gender based violence (GBV) to always speak up.
Mrs Soludo stated this in a message to mark this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which was marked on Tuesday. The event is marked every year on November 25.
She advised women suffering such cases in their homes to look for confidants to speak to, or even report to women groups that can help champion their cause.
She said: “At the core of this campaign is defeating the attitude of quietness from those who are facing different kinds of abuses. We must understand that speaking up is a major aspect of fighting scourge.
“Talk to people, report to appropriate authorities, just speak up! We can end gender-based violence if we can direct the right concerns and take the right measures.
“In a world where women and girls, especially, still feel threatened by the same environment and institutions that should ordinarily help them to grow, we need to go beyond just talking about it.
“It’s time to engage in practical activism. It’s really time to find practical solutions and change the narratives for good. Eliminating gender-based violence should be everybody’s concern. At homes, schools, work and worship places, and indeed anywhere that accommodates human relationships, every woman must be protected, guarded, and supported to grow and flourish.”
She listed ways in which that women can be helped to overcome them to include; empowering women and girls with education, providing quality and affordable health care access, opening up access to jobs and innovative opportunities and strengthening social institutions.
She said: “Thankfully, I’m proud to say that we recognize those important positions in Anambra State and have greatly changed the whole narrative.”
The 16-day event with the theme Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which commenced on Tuesday will come to an end on December 10.
She said the series of crucial fixtures for the event remind one that we owe the campaign more than just words and hashtags, but follow ups.
