NAWOJ B-Zone Unites Against Gender-Based Violence
By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) B-Zone has lent her voice to the campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), urging the government to shine a spotlight on the almost silent pandemic of boy-based sexual abuse and asking that the efforts being made to sensitize the female gender on the dangers of sexual abuse be made for the male gender too.
This is contained in the Zone’s Statement to mark the 16-Day Activism against gender-based violence which started on November 25th and will end by December 10th with the theme ‘Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now’.
The Statement which was signed by the B-Zone Vice National Chairperson, Adeola Adekunle and Zonal Secretary, Adeola Adewole explains, that Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation, and the immediate and long-term physical, sexual, and mental consequences for women and girls can be devastating to the point of death.
The statement added that at least 155 countries have passed laws on domestic violence and gender-based violence centred around furls and women, despite this, various challenge remains in enforcing these laws, limiting women and girls’ access to safety and justice.
The B-Zone pinpointed that enough is not done to prevent violence, and when it does occur, it often goes unpunished.
The NAWOJ B Zone Vice Chairperson, Adeola Adekunle therefore, appealed to the government at all levels to enforce existing laws and implement policies that safeguard the rights of women and children of all gender.
Nawoj B zone pledges to leverage its platform to amplify the voices of survivors and Advocate a Violence-free society.
“NAWOJ as an institution that is women centred is choosing this 16 days of Activism to reinforce our End Violence against Women mantra, it is unacceptable and should not be up for debate in 2023.”
As the world observes the 16 Days Activism, NAWOJ B ZONE (Southwest) urges every individual to stand in solidarity and take action against Gender-Based Violence, the statement added.