The Family Succor and Upliftment Foundation is seeking South-East traditional and religious leaders’ support to eradicate gender-based Violence (GBV) and other harmful practices in the zone.
Mrs Rachael Umahi, Founder of the foundation and Wife of the Ebonyi Governor, made the plead on Tuesday in Abakaliki, during South-East Traditional and Religious Leaders’ Summit on Ending GBV and other practices.
The summit was organised by United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) and Spotlight initiative in support of the foundation.
Mrs Umahi, represented by her Special Assistant on Welfare Matters, Mrs Patience Okorie, said that with all efforts made so far, GBV was still on the increase, especially in Ebonyi and Imo states.
She expressed optimism that working together with critical stakeholders on better approach would bring an expected change and reduction in the practice.
“As religious and traditional leaders, I know you are always with the people and know the best approach to eliminate this menace.
“We need your support and cooperation to save victims, most of whom are women and children.
“I appreciate the United Nation and European Union for extending partnership to my pet project, supports and motivation that have helped us progress this far,” Mrs Umahi said.
The Programme Specialist Reproductive Health and Officer in charge of UNFPA Cross River State Office, Mr Yakubu Aliyu, called the leaders to deploy their influence in mobilising community action to end the practices in the country.
Aliyu, represented by UNFPA official, Mr Benedict Essong, said the summit would further the process of transforming social norms on ending the practices in various states.
He said that GBV against women had been acknowledged worldwide as a violation of basic human rights and from economic and health perspective in the country.
“The prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation is highest in the south-east zone with 35 women out of every 100 women, aged between 15-49 years old, being circumcised.
“In an effort to reduce all forms of violence against women and girls in the zone, UNFPA supported over 250 fistula surgeries and rehabilitation,” Aliyu said.
The South-East and State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Abraham Nwali, stated that constituting central committee to tackle issues of GBV would reduce the menace.
The Clergyman, represented by the Vice Chairman of the association, Rev Scamb Nwokolo, also said stepping down action and encourage the Nigeria Police Force would bring success in ending the trend.
The Chairman, South-East Traditional Leader, Eze Charles Mkpuma reassured commitment to end the trend in the zone.
Another traditional leader and third Deputy Chairman in Abia state, Eze Chinedu Onwuka, called for change of the age-long practice to eradicate the menace.
Meanwhile, the Facilitator and a Legal Practitioner, Mrs Ijeoma Ajanwachukwu, encouraged traditional and religious leaders to strike a difference between civil and criminal cases.
“These leaders should assist survivors to get justice and perpetrators get adequate punishment because cases under GBV are criminal in nature,” Ajanwachukwu said.
The summit featured traditional and religious leaders from the five zone, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), police, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), among other stakeholders.
