Anambra Commissioner Urges Women's Groups to Lead Fight Against GBV

The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has called on women's groups across the state to take a leading role in combating gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse, human trafficking and other forms of injustice affecting women, children and vulnerable persons.

Mrs Onyekesi made the call during a familiarisation visit to the office of the Anambra State Town Union Council of Women Worldwide (ASTUCWW) in Awka on June 26.

She said protecting children from abuse, exploitation and humiliation was a collective responsibility that required the active participation of women at the grassroots.

The commissioner urged women to speak out against all forms of abuse and injustice in their communities and to support young widows by rejecting harmful traditional practices, discrimination and stigmatisation.

As part of efforts to strengthen the council, Onyekesi announced plans to conduct statewide elections for ASTUCWW through a delegate system involving two representatives from each of the 21 local government areas of the state.

According to her, a seven-member electoral committee has been constituted to conduct the exercise, with Dr Mrs Catherine Obioji serving as chairperson, while three observers representing the state's three senatorial districts will monitor the process.

Speaking during the visit, the Akpu Community Women Leader and Orumba South Coordinator, Dr Catherine Obioji, commended the commissioner for what she described as remarkable achievements within a short period in office.

Obioji, however, raised concerns over alleged intimidation, harassment and verbal abuse experienced by some women leaders during the previous administration, particularly in the conduct of community elections.

She also alleged that some women leaders were removed from government stipends without explanation and expressed concern over alleged financial demands imposed on contestants during elections, including compulsory purchases of special wrapper materials and payments reportedly described as "PR" before electoral processes could proceed.

Also speaking, the Secretary-General of ASTUCWW, Mrs Njideka Anusi, appealed to the council's leadership, particularly its national president, to ensure the commissioner remained actively involved in the activities of the organisation.

Members of the council reaffirmed their support for the commissioner and pledged to continue working with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to advance the welfare, protection and empowerment of women, children and other vulnerable groups across Anambra State.