Group calls for increased synergy, referral system to address GBV in Anambra
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
A group advocating for the eradication of gender-based violence (GBV) in Anambra State has called for increased synergy among relevant stakeholders and the establishment of a referral system as solutions to addressing issues of GBV in the state.
The group, which is a Coalition of Civil Society Networks on AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and other network of partners working on GBV issues, highlighted the need for coordination and collaboration among different actors to ensure a more comprehensive and effective response to GBV menace in the state.
They emphasized the importance of establishing a well-functioning referral system that would ensure that survivors of GBV have access to the necessary services and support, including medical care, counseling, legal assistance, and shelter.
They also called for increased awareness and sensitization initiatives to challenge harmful norms and attitudes that perpetuate GBV, as well as the need for data collection and research to better understand the prevalence and root causes of GBV in the State.
The State Advocacy Team (SAT) of the group made the call during a meeting with Barr Obinna Maduforo of the Nigeria Human Rights Commission, Anambra State, at the NHRC Head office in Awka.
The team Lead and Anambra State Coordinator of TB Network, Mrs Ifenyinwa Unachukwu, called upon all stakeholders to join hands in combating the rising cases of gender-based violence subjecting women, men, boys, and girls to untold degradation in the state.
Mrs Unachukwu explained that
GBV have manifested in various forms, including domestic abuse, verbal aggression, physical violence, rape and forced early marriages in recent times.
She also said incest, female genital cutting, acid attacks, and even outright killings are violence that have kept individuals to perpertual deprivation in both public and private spaces.
According to Unachukwu, “Nigeria has the highest number of malaria cases globally and is second in terms of HIV/AIDS burden. And Anambra state cannot afford to allow Gender Based Violence to this list.”
She also said “Co-infection of Malaria, TB, and HIV in the presence of GBV/GHR can exacerbate the severity of each disease and increase transmission risk, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations due to socioeconomic disparities.”
Unachukwu emphasized that the meeting with the NHRC was to campaign for the creation of a healthier and more equitable world, stressing that strategic interventions need to be employed to tackle gender-based violence and other related barriers to services in the state.
Responding, Barr. Maduforo said the commission is committed to addressing human rights abuses and the critical issue of GBV in the state, noting that 98 percent of the cases they handle are gender-based.
“GBV is with us here in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). About 98 percent of the cases we get are gender-based and relate to sexual violence. For the most parts, cases we treat here are on domestic violence, then we have issues of rape of minors and others,” he said.
Maduforo highlighted inadequate government involvement and cooperation as the primary concern in addressing shelter shortage for abuse victims. “While Ntasi offers essential services like counseling and medical assistance, further action is necessary. The absence of suitable shelter in a prominent state such as Anambra, despite its influential figures, is a noteworthy issue.
“Securing shelter is vital, especially for rescued individuals from abusive situations. An ongoing challenge faced is the urgent need for temporary accommodation for children and women escaping abuse while efforts are made to locate their families,” he added.
