Abia State First Lady, Priscilla Otti, has spotlighted the state’s subnational systems translating global commitments into tangible protection for women and girls.
Speaking at a high-level side event during the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, themed “From Global Commitments to Local Results,” Mrs Otti said: “In my role as Chair of the Abia State Gender-Based Violence Committee, I remain personally committed to strengthening systems that prevent violence and support survivors.”
She linked social vulnerabilities to broader risks.
“The state recognises the growing connection between drug abuse, trafficking and the vulnerability of young women and girls… Addressing gender-based violence and tackling drug abuse must therefore go hand in hand.”
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Highlighting reforms, she noted: “With the support of the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme, the government launched the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre… This integrated approach… ensures that survivors receive comprehensive support and access to justice.”
On economic drivers of abuse, she warned: “When poverty tightens its grip, many things can go wrong… some are pushed into unsafe relationships… others become victims of trafficking.” She added: “This is why economic empowerment is not just development policy, it is protection.”
Global voices reinforced the call. Queen Mother Delois Blakely urged unity: “Bond as one… Women, rebirth is taking place.”
Rosa Lizarde said: “We place gender equality at the core of the poverty eradication agenda… We invite the partnership.”
UN Women Ghana’s Afua Ansre noted progress and gaps: “We’ve come a long way… but… we are not doing very well” in political participation, urging: “We need to consolidate the gains.”
Federation of Women Lawyers’ Inime Aguma added: “One of the setbacks is the culture of silence… Our problem is getting the woman to stand for her rights.”
Other stakeholders, including Rachael Kagoiya and Ngozi Nwosu-Juba, emphasised the importance of funding, accountability, and leadership.
The dialogue underscored a shared imperative: survivor-centred systems must be resourced and sustained to turn global commitments into local safeguards.