The Wife of the Cross River State Governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, on Wednesday, paid an advocacy visit to the House of Assembly as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against Sexual and Gendar-Based Violence (SGBV) in the State.
The advocacy engagement with the Theme: Advocacy for Prevention, Shifting Social Norms and Strengthening State Commitment to End SGBV, was organised by Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative in partnership with the Nigerian Governors' Spouses Forum and Ford Foundation.
Addressing lawmakers, the Governor's wife stressed the need for sustained collaboration with the legislature while urging the House to; " deepen legislative ownership of the fight against sexual and gender-based violence" and ensure justice for survivors.
"As we work together l respectfull encourage this Assembly to champion concrete legislative commitments, policy initiatives, and where appropriate, formal resolutions that will institutionalise Gender-based Violence prevention beyond programmes, administrations and political cycles."
She called on Members of the Assembly to continue supporting policies and legislative measures that would enhance prevention, improve access to justice, and provide adequate support services for victims of abuse.
These measures, according to the First Lady, include; effective implementation and enforcement of existing laws, ensuring adequate and sustained budgetary allocations, strengthening legislative oversight, promoting legislative reforms amongst others.
" Let us leave a legacy where justice is accessible, dignity is protected, and violence has no place in our communities". She urged.
The Leader of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Francis Bassey Asuquo, his Deputy , Rt Hon Davies Etta, the only Female Legislator, Hon Mercy Akpama and a majority of the Lawmakers commended the First Lady, for the advocacy engagement.
The Lawmakers unanimously pledged their commitment to the domestication of SGBV law which was earlier passed in 2021 but was not assented to.
They promised that, the bill will be reviewed in line with the current realities in the State, and vowed to work hard to ensure it's speedy passage.
The Speaker of the 10th Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem, commended the First Lady and Founder of Humanity Without Borders Empowerment Initiative, the Nigerian Governors' Spouses Forum, Ford Foundation, and other Development Partners for championing the campaign against SGBV.
He reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to promoting laws and oversight initiatives aimed at safeguarding the rights and dignity of all residents of the state.
" The responsibility of eliminating Sexual and Gender-based Violence rest on all of us. Together we can create safer communities where every person is treated with dignity and respect. I assure Her Excellency and all Stakeholders of the Assembly's readiness to work with all Partners in advancing this important cause". He promised.
The Advocacy engagement was attended by the wife of the Speaker, Mrs Nelly Ayambem, female State EXCO members, APC female stalwarts and many other stakeholders.
By Itam Offor
