The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ekiti State chapter, has called for more concerted efforts at eradicating menace of gender-based violence which has constituted a global challenge to the girl-child, women and the entire human race.
NAWOJ gave the submission as 16 Days Activism against Gender Based Violence began on November 25 and will run till December 10, 2020 with the theme ‘’Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect”.
The association in a statement by the Chairperson, Mrs Fatima Belo and the Secretary, Mrs Adewumi Ademiju, also called for global action at ensuring essential services for survivors of gender violence at all times and particularly in recent times at the pandemic era.
The Women Journalists also declared that the role of combating gender inequality is a collective one for global development while lamenting high rate of domestic violence despite incessant efforts by stakeholders to nip the menace in the bud.
NAWOJ particularly applauded the wife of the state governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, on various steps and activities at checkmating gender-based violence against women and children. The association also commended the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi on the implementation of Gender Based Violence law, promulgated to tackle the “evil act” in Ekiti as it urged all and sundry to play their parts in making the voice of the girl-child and women in general visible for meaningful development.
The statement added,“ It is regrettable that survivors of domestic violence find it harder to seek help and access support. This, in some cases, reduce formal reports.
“Commendations to a great gender activist like Erelu Bisi Fayemi whose advocacy and mission on gender equality have reached the peak that cannot be silenced and ignored.”
NAWOJ therefore called on all advocates to institute more investment and leadership to achieve total eradication of the violence.
“The crusade must always be part of every country’s national response and now at the pandemic era.
“For 16 days activism, the mic is handed over to survivors, activists and relevant stakeholders on intensive activism against gender-based violence,” the association maintained.