Reps advocate action plan to eliminate violence against women

By Lawan Hamidu, Abuja

Federal, States and Local Governments in Nigeria have been urged to galvanise action plans to support the elimination of violence against women in the country.

The call was contained in a motion under matters of urgent public importance unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives on International Day for the elimination of violence against women.

Presenting the motion, Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, a Member from    State explained that the action plan shall reduce the impunity as well as encourage victims to speak out.

She said “It is also a day to honour women organisations as first responders and to acknowledge their leadership roles in ending violence and activate the United Nation’s wide mobilization under the umbrella of the 16 Days Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign for the promotion of zero tolerance across all spheres of society including Nigeria.”

Mrs. Onyejeocha expressed concern that the wide spread violence against women and girls is largely unreported due to stigma and shame surrounding it.

The theme of this year’s celebration is; Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent and Collect as part of measures to acknowledge the crucial roles women played in the development of every society.

Nnenna.O