Rivers State Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Nma Odu has called on women to Speak out and Support the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence.
Prof. Odu gave this charge at a sensitization Programme organized by Egi Women Welfare Association(EWWA) to commemorate the 2024 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women at Ahoada Town, on Monday, 25th November 2024
Represented by her Special Assistant on Research and Development, Mrs Cordelia Peterside Prof. Odu said women should try to reach out when they see other women in trouble to extend a hand of fellowship and help to solve the matter, stressing that women must come together to watch each other’s back.
The Deputy Governor said violence is not just about physical assault it could be emotional or psychological, noting that one of the most critical violence women suffer is emotional violence,
“Most of our women are emotionally battered they are just enduring and smiling but inside things are not well. What our mummy is trying to say is please do not bottle up too much when you are pressed inside, you can go to somebody you trust to air it and get relieved. It is not by being aggressive that you try as much as possible to be yourself.” The Deputy Governor further stressed.
She thanked the women for their support to the Governor Fubara-led Administration while urging them to continue to pray for its success.
Also speaking the President of Egi Women Welfare Association Mrs. Patience Manasseh said violence against women remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world, adding that globally an estimated 736 million women have been subjected to physical or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their lifetime.
Earlier the Resource Person and Founder of Pearls of Hope Outreach and Initiative Evangelist Patience Felix delivered a Paper Titled “Marriage without Bride Price”.
It should be recalled that the 25th of November each year has been set aside to Commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Unite Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women! No Excuse”
Owupele Benebo
Head of Press,
Office of the Deputy Governor,
25th November 2024