The Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs in Cross River, Edema Irom has applauded the royal feathers in Akampka Local Government Area for their bold declaration against gender-based violence (GBV).
This powerful commitment, made in collaboration with the Ministry, aimed to eradicate prevalent issues like rape, battering, female genital mutilation (FGM), harmful widowhood practices, and emotional and economic violence.
Irom who spoke in Akamkpa during a town hall meeting expressed immense gratitude for the proactive stance taken by Akampka's traditional rulers..
She commended partners comprising UN Women, Ford Foundation, and Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) for untiring efforts in supporting the Women Affairs ministry in combating the menace of gender based violence, checkmating harmful cultural and religious practices targeted against the female gender..
She articulated a clear and ambitious vision for the future, emphasizing her dedication to fostering "a new Akampka where women will have equal rights with men in land ownership and properties, equal opportunities to become Clan Heads and Paramount Rulers, and where the fundamental rights of all, irrespective of gender, are respected."
This significant declaration comes as a direct response to worrying statistics emanating from sexual abuses and other categories of gender based violence.
Findings revealed that the last quarter saw 128 GBV cases reported to the State Ministry of Women Affairs, with a substantial 37% (49 cases) originating from Akampka Local Government Area.
This highlights the critical need for robust intervention and underscores the impact of the traditional leaders' commitment.
Speaking, a representative of the Paramount Ruler, His Royal Majesty Ophot Agbor Ewa Ebabni, His Royal Highness Ntufam Barr Richard Asuquo, underscored the cultural and moral alignment of the declaration.
He noted that this public commitment is "in alignment with our cultural evolution, the principles of justice, equity, and dignity, and recognition of our collective responsibility to protect all members of our community, especially women and girls."
The declaration, as read by HRH Paramount Ruler of Akampka, explicitly states the abolition of "wife battering and all forms of domestic violence, FGM, sexual violence, and other forms of exploitation."
He continued "This is a clear testament to an "unwavering commitment to uphold human dignity, ensure gender justice, and foster a peaceful society."
In her remarks, the deputy representative of UN Women, Mrs. Patience Ekpeba commended the posture of the royal feathers describing the declaration as "a huge milestone in the movement to end Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) in CRS and Nigeria,"
She acknowledged the transformative leadership shown by the Paramount Ruler along with his council and sued for sustenance.
The event was facilitated by WARIF, with support from UN Women through the LEAP Project, which played a crucial role in empowering the initiative by training 40 traditional, Islamic, and religious leaders in Akampka LGA, enabling them to champion the public declaration effectively.
The event was further underscored by the compelling testimony of Ms. Dorothy Edet, a survivor of multiple GBV attacks. Ms. Edet, through her Doro-Voice Initiative, has bravely transformed her personal suffering into a powerful advocacy platform against GBV and harmful practices, profoundly impacting attendees and reinforcing the urgent need for collective action.
Ekanem Asuquo, Beagle News
