Ignorance fueling gender-based violence in Anambra, says group

The Center for Gender Perspectives and Social Development has identified underreporting and ignorance of gender-based violence as a contributing factor to the rise in violence against women in Anambra State.

The Executive Director of the center, Eucharia Anekwe, made a statement on Friday, at a sensitization program under the Grounds for Change project tagged, “I am more than just a human being; I am a loud woman”.

A project sponsored by the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, held in Amanuke and Urum communities in Awka North Local Government Area of ​​Anambra.

Mrs. Anekwe identified various forms of gender-based violence including rape, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and stigmatization.

She explained that these forms of violence have negative effects on the mental and physical safety of women and girls as they also contribute to the lack of women in political and leadership spaces in Anambra and Nigeria.

“The G4C (Grounds for Change) project addresses the need to reduce the high level of violence against women that usually results in the non-participation of women and girls in politics and leadership careers.

“We found that underreporting and silence is a big factor behind the rise in gender-based violence in the country.

“This is why we are sensitizing gender-based violence in our communities and also creating awareness about the Violence Against Persons Act (VAPP) which protects survivors.

“Paying attention to violence against women or the VAPP law is no longer an excuse, it is a choice. So, we encourage women to call the free line 08004004444 in case of emergency and to respond quickly,” said Mrs. Anekwe.

Responding, a participant, Elizabeth Odogwu blamed the increase in violence against women on neglect, expressing optimism that the knowledge gained during the training would go a long way in addressing the menace.

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Another participant, Regina Okoli, said that women cannot report cases of violence not because they do not know but because they are afraid, especially if it is their husband or their children.

“Some of us know about the privileges that women enjoy. But usually, we are reluctant to report our husbands or our children if we do something wrong because we don’t want to go to jail,” he said.

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Mrs Okoli, therefore, advised women and girls to always speak out to save lives.

(AT)