Johnkennedy Uzoma – Owerri
Critical stakeholders in the communities has being advised to tackle underlying social norms, attitude and behaviors responsible for unabated ugly practice of violence against women and girls in the country.
The Executive Director of a Non-Governmental Organization(NGO),Virgin Heart Foundation, Peace Dike said that enforcing community action towards ending harmful socio-cultural norms that promote violence against women and girls is everybody’s responsibility.
Dike while briefing newsmen in Owerri Friday, insisted that perpetrators of violence against women and girls should think twice before making widowhood women’s only path to power.
She pointed out that VHF was established three (3years) years ago with the aim of evolving a just society that provides and protects women’s rights, gender equality and inclusive environment for women and girls.
Dike disclosed that the organization had recorded a resounding success in a number of local government areas, communities and villege such as Ahiazu Mbaise council areas and had established contact and partnership with traditional institutions, women organization with advocacy measures all geared towards eliminating the monster.
According to her, effort of the foundation to promote Gender Equality, addressing stereotyped women inclusiveness in policy making, partnership with local women left groups, community stakeholders, social movements and supporters for sustainable policies and practice had begun to bear fruits.
She said: “we engage the men in the various communities because they have crucial role to play in this crusade and we are training and re-training them to be part and parcel of what we are doing.”
She hailed the 2023 edition of the International Women Day celebration as a remarkable day set aside to address all issues/ practices adversely affecting women and girls and to protect their rights.
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