NUJ Anambra Council Holds Symposium On Gender Based Violence

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State Council in collaboration with Kolors of Afrika TV on Friday held youth week symposium on gender based violence.

The symposium which is themed: ‘Unveiling the spectrum of gender based violence : empowering the youth for collective action’ was held at the Godwin Ezemo International Press Secretariat in Awka.

The Chairman of NUJ, Anambra State Council, Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu PHD, in his welcome remark explained that the media as the moral conscience of the society holds a major responsibility to educate journalists-in-training so that they can become voices, advocates and ambassadors against the increasing trend.

“We have seen enough gender basedy violence in our society and we need enough crusaders so that the voices of those who are molested will be heard and the only avenue to do soo is to mobilize students to join their voices for a better society”. Odogwu revealed.

Chairman of the event. Hon. Emeka Aforka while speaking commended the
efforts of the Anambra state government in curbing the menace of gender based violence through enacting the ‘Violence Against Persons Law’ and setting up special courts to try offenders.

Hon. Aforka, the former lawmaker who represented Orumba North constituency at the 7th Anambra Assembly stated that gender violence affects both men, women, young and old.

” Government both at Federal and State level has made effort and their is a law in Anambra State that prohabites violence. I commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo whom in his wisdom, established a special court for it”.

In a keynote lecture, Executive Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Women and Social Welfare, Ms. Hope Okoye highlighted some of different ways social and physical violence can be targeted to a particular gender such as sexual assault and disinherenting women.

Okoye stated that the Anambra State government has made conceivable progress in protecting victims of sexual assault. She pleaded with victims to open up, report such crimes and seek medical help within seventy-two hours of such violence from the Ntasi Centre located at Engwu-Ukwu General Hospital.

The member representing Idemili South constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly Hon. Ebuka Igwe while speaking said most of the cases of gender based violence are unreported.

Hon. Igwe who is the distinguished guest of honour, encouraged victims to speak out stated that the protection of government towards them is assured.

“Nobody is above the law regardless of position, influence or status and once anyone is found guilty, government takes it serious. This seminar will shaping the minds of the attendees”. The lawmaker submitted.

The Head of Department, Information and Communication Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Dr. Ikechukwu Umeh, in another lecture titled; ‘Using ICT To Combat Gender Based Violence’ profered solutions ICT can be used to apprehend Gender Based Violence offenders.

Dr. Umeh said when people are engaged in ICT, they will not have time for gender based violence. He said setting up facilities where people can channel their complaints will assist in ending such practices which has is now a manace to the society.

National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Maazi Ejimofor Opara on his part said it is important that the youths should be actively involved in gatherings where gender based violence issues are discussed.

Ejimofor called on other stakeholders such as the church, religious and traditional leaders to join hands and spread the gospel. He maintained that government has done their part by creating the law that checkmates and persecute culprits.

Vice Chancellor St. Pauls University Prof. Stella Okunna while speaking commended NUJ Anambra chapter led by Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu for organizing such an educative and informative Symposium.

Prof. Okunna stated that gender based violence is becoming common in the society and that its more common and synonymous with women. She hailed the resource persons for doing justice to the subject matter.

Deputy Director Awka Widows on America
Dr. Martha Egenti in her presentation calls for all hand to be on deck in tackling gender based violence.

Egenti called for Youth empowerment which when provided will keep young minds to be engaged. She also solicitated for young minds to be agents and ambassadors of positive change through taking a stand by fighting and ending genda violence by supporting survivals, engage in dialogue and spreading the awareness.

Special to the Governor on Civil Liberty Organization (CLO) Mrs Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike who spoke extensively maintained that the gander based violence is increasing and the need for change agents cannot be over emphasized. She encouraged victims to rise above depression, styrotype, low self esteem instead of dying in silence.

Chairman LOC, Comrade Chika Nnabuife in her remark said an uninformed person is deformed and as such the symposium is necessary in order for the society to be better.

“This is an opportunity for the students to learn. We are impacting knowledge for a better society and i believe they will do better henceforth”. Nnabuife stated

Some participatants, including, Mr. Chizaram Ekwurumadu of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and Miss Gloria Okoro of Paul University, Awka explained that the programme was impactful and they are empowered as budding Journalists to make a difference.