Ihuoma Girls Care and Support Initiative, has demanded public action to put an end to gender-based violence and foster a more equitable society.

The organization, founded by Ambassador Amarachi Kene-Okafor, recently launched a campaign to raise awareness and mobilize public support for its mission.

The Road Walk, which took off from Old Artisan Market, through Ogui Road to New Haven Market, featured display of placard with various inscriptions like “Let’s create a more Inclusive Dialogue around violence. Challenge harmful Stereotypes Now!”, “Stand together, Stand Strong. Break the cycle of Gender Violence Now!”, “Stop Violence, Start Change: protect and guard women and girls Now!”

The non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting gender equality, campaign underscores the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and the role that public action can play in effecting real change.

Speaking during the event organised in Enugu, Amb. Amarachi Kene-Okafor expressed her hope that the Ihuoma Girls Care and Support Initiative’s efforts would help to create a more just and equal society. “We are committed to ending gender-based violence and promoting gender equality,” she said.

“The Ihuoma Girls Care and Support Initiative’s campaign has already gained widespread support from community members, government officials, and other advocacy groups.

Ambassador Amarachi explained that the programme was part of activities to mark the conclusion of the organisation’s project aimed at ensuring effective collaboration among community leaders and other stakeholders to prevent violence against persons, ensure justice and Rehabilitation of survivors.

“This activity is the close out ceremony of our Project Girls Guard, a programme initiated by Ihuoma Girls Care and Support Initiative and Supported by Ford Foundation/Nigerian Women Trust Fund to foster collaboration among stakeholders to combat the menace of Gender Based-Violence and build Community Support Network for Survivors in Enugu State.

It is a 6 months project from April 2024-September 2024 and today is the close out event being marked with Movement Building/Road Walk.”

She expressed gratitude to traditional rulers in Enugu State; National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Ministry of Gender Affairs and Social Development Enugu State, as well as other partners for their collaborative efforts towards ending gender-based violence.

“Ihuoma Girls Care and Support Initiative is entirely grateful to the funders Ford Foundation/Nigerian Women Trust Fund for the support in making this a memorable outing in Enugu state.”

“The Director of Gender Affairs from Ministry of Children, Gender and Social Development Enugu state, Mrs. Esther Mba said the ministry is honored to support the Ihuoma Girls Care and Support Initiative in its fight against gender-based violence.
“We must work together to break down the barriers that prevent women and girls from enjoying the same rights and opportunities with men and boys, Only then can we truly achieve a more just and equal society.”

Mrs Mbah went on to highlight the importance of raising awareness about the issue of gender-based violence, and encouraged members of the public to join the Ihuoma Girls Care and Support Initiative’s efforts.

In another development, The Commander National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Enugu Zonal Command ably represented by Mrs.Olayi Judith Chinyere said it is pleased to partner Ihuoma Girls Care and Support Initiative in its efforts to end gender-based violence.

“Our agency is committed to protecting the rights of women and girls, and we will continue to work tirelessly to eradicate the scourge of gender-based violence from our society.”

The representative of NAPTIP emphasized the need for comprehensive and holistic approaches to addressing the issue, including efforts to prevent violence before it occurs, support for survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.

Also, Barr Nnenne Anozie of the League of women voters of Nigeria said “the League of Women Voters of Nigeria applauds the efforts of this group to combat gender-based violence”.

“Violence against women is a scourge that affects not only individual women, but our entire society. We must stand together in solidarity to combat this injustice.”

Barr Anozie who was a former governorship candidate in Enugu state with other counterparts also emphasized the importance of educating young people on gender-based violence, and of providing survivors with the support and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Our correspondent reports that the route, which traversed through the heart of Enugu State, allowed participants to spread their message far and wide, reaching a wide audience and attracting public attention on the issue of gender-based violence and the need to demonstrate the solidarity in commitment.