WOMAN Commemorate 16 Days of Activism in Yenagoa

A non governmental organization, Women Organized for Mentorship and Advocacy Network, WOMAN, has joined the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s 16 days of Activism to Eliminate Gender-Based Violence, GBV.

The theme for this year’s 16 Days’ of Activism Against Gender Based Violence is, “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls”.

This theme is a targeted campaign to increase awareness and spur action to end violence against women and girls particularly as the world approaches the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 (a blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s rights).

The 16-day campaign which starts on 25, November 2024 is part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and will come to a close on 10 December, 2024 which is the International Human Rights Day.

Executive Director of WOMAN, Lady Eunice Nnachi noted that this year’s theme: “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls”is not just a catchy slogan; but a powerful rallying cry for accountability and action.

Lady Nnachi while lamenting the rise in Gender Based Violence, explained that GBV is a menace that requires a collective effort to curtailing it, adding that, there was need for sustained action beyond the 16 Days of Activism.

In her words ” It is essential for us to continue to support every fight against gender-based violence and our role as stakeholders is to see how we can advocate for stronger policies, and resources to prevent gender-based violence and continue advocating for policies and resources that support survivors of GBV and prevent future incidents.”

She noted that women’s limited access to public sector roles perpetuates inequalities and fuels structural violence, stressing that it is a grim reminder of the entrenched gender inequalities that persist worldwide.

Lady Nnachi stated that addressing these gaps requires a fundamental shift in policies and societal norms, by ensuring that women have equal access to public institutions and opportunities in life, adding that it is not just about fairness; but about preventing deepened gender inequalities.

She called for action, not words. Accountability, not excuses, Resources, not empty promises in a bid to reduce the menace to the barest minimum.

The WOMAN CEO informed that as part of the commemoration of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, the NGO will hold community engagements in some communities in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.