Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has called for concerted efforts among stakeholders to end violence against women and the girl child in the state.
Mrs. Anyanwu-Akeredolu made the call on Monday at the interactive forum to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, held at the Government House ground, Akure.
She decried the increase in the way women and the girl-child were being molested in the society, saying that the development was not encouraging.
The governor’s wife stressed the need for a genuine approach to curb the menace.
Mrs. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Titi Adeyemi, said that the Day was an annual event aimed at promoting issues relating to the wellbeing of women.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the theme for this year’s celebration is: “An Equal World is an Enabled World”.
She explained that the theme was apt, particularly as women were still being marginalized despite many international agreements to eliminate gender discrimination and ensure equality as well as dignity for women and men.
“Women have continued to be victims of rape, domestic violence, and conflicts; women and girls have continued to be undervalued; they work more but have fewer choices and they experience many forms of violence at home and public places,” she said.
The governor’s wife commended the present administration in the state for being gender-sensitive in all its programs, and more importantly, for giving women a voice in governance.
She further explained that both men and women should be given equal rights and opportunities to ensure gender equality, saying that women were key agents for achieving the transformational, economic and social changes required for sustainable development.
“We must, therefore, unlock the full potentials, achieve economic independence, access necessary health services and advocate for their rights and empowerment.
“We must entrench universal support for women in challenging poverty, reducing hunger and building healthier societies’ we must also change our attitudes so that together, we can rise against all forms of discrimination against women,” she added.
NAN
