The Abia State Government, through the Office of the Wife of the Governor, has joined the global campaign marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a rally aimed at ending all forms of abuse against women and girls, especially in the digital space.
Speaking at the close of the rally held at the JAAC Building, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, reiterated the importance of this year’s theme: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, Mrs. Otti described it as a timely call to action in the face of rising online abuse and digital space violence.
Mrs. Otti noted that while technology has opened up countless opportunities, it has also become a tool for abuse that threatens to reverse the progress made in protecting women and girls against abuse.
She called for decisive action against perpetrators to ensure the digital space is safe, inclusive, and empowering.
Mrs. Otti reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to ending all forms of violence, especially against women and girls, and announced that the state’s referral centre will soon begin operations to provide justice, healthcare, psychosocial support, and economic recovery services for survivors.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, expressed that violence against women is not a private issue but a societal challenge requiring collective action.
She said Abia stands with global voices to demand change.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, highlighted how technology enables perpetrators to escape accountability.
She urged proactive efforts to prevent digital violence and commended partners like FIDA and NAWOG for their dedication to combating GBV.
