From Nabob Ogbonna, Umuahia
Abia state government yesterday warned leaders of the various communities and traditional rulers that it won’t tolerate any harmful practices that would override the law or fundamental rights of their citizenry.
The state commissioner for justice and Attorney general Okechukw Uwanna (SAN) announced this in Umuahia the state capital during an engagement with various community youths in the state on “Male Feminism, Gender Based Violence and Women Empowerment”
Uwanna who also spoke on legal implications of Gender Based Violence and harmful cultural practices, insisted that tradition should not override the law or the fundamental rights of any individual in the state as the constitution provides.
According to him, “Gender violence has taken on lives and resources of the dear state and this transformative training creates a powerful platform for dialogue, reflection, and action.
“Such like harmful cultural practises as widowhood and inheritance practises, rape, domestic violence, child abandonment, early and forced marriages as well as sexual abuse and exploitation are unwanted in Abia and against the law.
“And as a responsible government charged with the responsibilities of protecting lives, welfare, security and transformation of the state cannot fold our hands and watch our people subjected to harsh cultural practices.
“We want those basic rights of every Abias to be respected in every community not minding the gender.
“So no cultural practice should override the law or the fundamental rights of any individual in Abia.
“Also note that acts such as child abandonment, abuse, and harmful traditional practices are punishable under the law, and we must continue to raise awareness so that communities understand both their rights and responsibilities,”he insisted.
Insideoutnews observed that the training underscored the urgent need on the challenging norms that perpetuate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) such as patriarchy, child upbringing and drug abuse.
The state attorney general was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Ministry of Justice, Barr Uwaeme Oluchi.
He further called on the participants to not only be informed but to act as responsible citizens and advocates, reporting cases and supporting victims to seek justice.
Similarly, the State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, Abia State, Barr Uche Nwokocha who highlighted the importance of protecting human dignity and strengthening reporting systems, challenged the police, traditional rulers and town union leaders towards strengthening the fight on gender based violence in their respective domains.
“Human rights are not optional they are fundamental. Every woman and child deserves protection, dignity, and justice. We encourage communities to speak up, report violations, and make use of available human rights mechanisms.”
“Again, we are using this opportunity to challenge the police and traditional rulers to be committed towards fighting GBV rather than sweeping it under the carpet, essentially dealing with the perpetrators and leaving survivors traumatised and oppressed.
The key facilitator and the project lead of the male feminists Network project in the south east, Dr Kelechukwu Okezie enjoined the youths to always be true agents of change.
His words” GBV affects all of us. If it is not your mother, it is your sister or brother. Evil exist and perpetuate itself when we all stand aloof. Let’s promote acts and practises that promote gender equality and social justice”, he stated.
One of the youths at the training, Raymond Ndubuisi of Progressive Abia Youths, described the programme as impactful
“This is a very important and this training marks another step towards building a network of informed and committed male allies who are ready to stand for justice, respect, and promote positive masculinity in their various communities and I am inspired and committed to the fight against all forms of gender based violence,” Ndubuisi said.
The programme organized by Dr. Okezie, founder of Neighbourhood Environment Watch Foundation also doubled as the project lead Male Feminists Network Project, South East Region, was in partnership with African Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development
