Anambra comm. urges women’s groups to act as vanguards against GBV
The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has urged women’s groups across the state to take a leading role in combating gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse, trafficking, and other forms of injustice affecting women, children, and vulnerable persons.
Mrs. Onyekesi, who made the call during a familiarization visit to the office of the ASTUCWW in Awka on June 26, emphasized that protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and humiliation is a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of women at the community level.
The commissioner encouraged women to speak out whenever they witness acts of abuse or injustice and to support young widows by opposing harmful traditional practices and stigmatization.
As part of efforts to strengthen the council, Mrs. Onyekesi announced plans to conduct statewide elections for the ASTUCWW. She explained that the election would be conducted through a delegate system, with two representatives from each of the state’s 21 local government areas.
According to her, a seven-member electoral committee has been constituted to oversee the exercise, with Dr. Mrs. Catherine Obioji serving as chairperson, while three observers representing Anambra’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 improvements within a short period in office.
She also raised concerns over alleged intimidation, harassment, and verbal abuse experienced by some women leaders under the previous administration, particularly during community elections. Dr. Obioji further alleged that some women were removed from government stipends without clear explanations.
She expressed additional concern over alleged financial demands imposed on women leaders in some communities during elections, including compulsory purchases of special wrapper materials and payments reportedly tagged as “PR” before electoral processes could proceed.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of ASTUCWW, Mrs. Njideka Anusi, appealed to the council’s leadership, especially the national president, to ensure the commissioner remains actively involved in the council’s activities.
Members of the council reaffirmed their support for the commissioner and pledged to work with the ministry in advancing the welfare and protection of women, children, and other vulnerable groups across Anambra State.
