Cross section of stakeholders during the launching / implementation of GBV action plan
The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti has called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and stakeholders to collaborate with the state government in the fight to eradicate sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and gender-based violence in our society.
The Governor’s wife made the call in Umuahia the state capital on the launching/implementation of action plan rolled out by the ministry of health in collaboration with the office of the wife of the Governor to eradicate sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and gender based violence in Abia state.
According to Mrs. Otti, “sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and gender-based violence are grave injustices that tarnishes the very fabric of our society.
These issues transcend boundaries of culture, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, affecting countless lives and leaving lasting scars, it is our moral and social duty to address these heinous acts with the urgency and seriousness they deserve” Mrs. Otti said.
Mrs. Otti, represented by the commissioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation, Mrs. Ngozi Felix expressed that the office of the wife of the Governor, in collaboration with the ministry of women affairs and poverty alleviation, has executed numerous interventions and achieved significant success in rehabilitating and empowering victims of gender-based violence (GBV), sexual violence and reunified them with their families while ensuring that perpetrators faced legal consequences of their actions.
She maintained that the action plan being launched today is not just a document but a testament of Abia state government’s commitment to creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from fear and harm.
“The comprehensive plan outlines strategic measures to prevent, respond to, and eradicate these forms of violence. It encompasses education, community engagement, support services, and robust legal frameworks to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and survivors receive the care and justice they deserve”.
Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo said that under Governor Otti’s administration, safeguarding the citizens is a top priority, and those perpetuating GBV and all forms of sexual abuse, baby factories will face the full force of the law.
“We are here to forge a pact forward to implement action that will protect the vulnerable, support survival and hold perpetrators accountable.
This initiative is not just a programme but our commitment to breaking the cycle of violence in our state” she further stated.
Keynote speaker, Mrs. Chinwe Onyeukwu
In the workshop, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs. Chinwe Onyeukwu xrays the definition of gender and how dynamic it has become in other clime.
She identify the causes of GBV, sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation as poverty, economic power, political power and vulnerability of the victim adding that all forms of sexual abuse, harassment and exploitation under the age of 18 is gender based violence and the perpetrators must face the full weight of the law.
Mrs. Onyeukwu further expounded that while gender based violence may come in the form of physical abuse, economic abuse, emotional and verbal abuse to any victim, rape, sexual violence, harassment and sexual exploitation occur due to the vulnerabilities of the victim.
Mrs. Onyeukwu however identifies governments, traditional leaders, community leaders, women leaders and wives of mayors as structures to take response services and initiatives as soon as the issues of sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment happens including gender based violence.
She call on stakeholders to support victims of abuse while the perpetrators bears the consequences of their actions.
