‘Lagos, Delta, Enugu and others have established taskforce to address gender based violence’
The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDS) has raised the alarm over growing gender based violence (GBV) in the state.
The group urged Gov.Chukwuma Soludo to establish task-force to tackle the upsurge.
Executive Director, GPSDC, Mrs Eucharia Anekwe, spoke in Awka at a consultative meeting with Nwayibuife Women Advocacy Team and law enforcement partners on gender-based violence, supported by Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Ford Foundation.
Anekwe expressed worry that GBV kept increasing in the state inspite all efforts to stem the tide, stressing that establishing a state-based taskforce would reduce the rate of gender-based violence in the state.
She said, “Violence and harmful practices against women and girls happen every day in Anambra, and most of the time they are not reported because there is no state-owned taskforce handling such cases.
“States like Lagos, Delta, Enugu and others have established task-force to address gender based violence. We do not have such in Anambra.
“We are appealing to Gov. Soludo to replicate same. This state established taskforce will map out compensation for victims in terms judicial and medical intervention as well as shelter and rehabilitation for victims.
“The state government will ensure that there is a budgetary allocation to help the task-force operate optimally in the state.”
Anekwe said that the task-force would also work with law enforcement agencies to ensure quick access to justice in GBV cases.
She said the task-force would be responsible for organising massive sensitisation against GBV and create awareness of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP)
She added that the VAPP Law would boost the survivors’ confidence to report cases.
In his remarks, former Commissioner for Social Welfare, Children’s and Women’s Affairs, Dr Ego Uzozie canvassed for advocacy visits to the concerned authorities.
