By Kadiri Christopher
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| Edo NAWOJ with Edo NUJ Chairman, Comrade Festus Alenkhe JP, FSGI |
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Edo State Chapter, recently held a road walk to mark this year’s International day for the elimination of violence against women.
The theme for this year is UNITE! INVEST TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS.
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| Members of the Edo NAWOJ |
The event is marked with “16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence” which kicked off on 25th day of November and it is expected to end on the 10th day of December.
The Women gathered to make their voices loud and clear over the havoc been caused by Gender Based Violence.
Led by the State Chairperson, Comrade Adesuwa Ehimuan, the women in their large numbers held various placards with various inscriptions, as 'PUSH FORWARD ACT TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS', 'CHANGE THE STORY, CREATE A SAFE FUTURE', 'STOP PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE', 'CONTROLLING BEHAVIORS ON WOMEN', amongst others.
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| Edo NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Ehimuan leading the road walk |
Comrade Ehimuan said, "there was a need to encourage women in the society to get empowered in anything they do to earn a living.
"The girl child should be encouraged to take her academic seriously and avoid unwanted pregnancies which could lead to the detriment of her future", she added.
She stated further that women and girls should always speak up and speak out whenever they are abused so they don't die in silence.
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| Comrade Ehimuan addressing the Edo MSDGI |
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Edo State Council, Comrade Amb Festus Alenkhe JP , FSGI, re-echoed the need for Government at all levels to provide a well enabling environment for Women and Girls.
The National Trustee of NUJ, Zone F, Comrade Dr Abimbola Oyetunde, said, "gone are the days when children would be raped and women will be harassed and the perpetrators will go unpunished".
The rally which took off at the NUJ Press Center, Benin City made a stop-over at the Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, where they were received by the Commissioner of the Ministry, Mrs Christabel Omoh Ekwu, represented by Mrs Irenosen Ihensekhien, the Director of Gender Issues (MSDGI).
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| Mrs Ihensenkhien responding to the Edo NAWOJ plea |
She appreciates the NAWOJ, Edo state for joining forces with the Ministry in celebrating the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.
A Cross Section of women at the rally shared their views on the importance of the event by calling on agencies and the media to help in the fight against the frequent molestation of women and girls.
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| Decoration of the Commissioner MSDGI represented |
Highlights of the event was the presentation of the rally fez caps and T-shirts to the MSDGI and as well decorating the commissioner's representative either same.
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