A cross section of Abakaliki residents have advocated for continuous programmes to sustain the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the society.
The residents made the call on Tuesday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.
Mrs. Evelyn Mbam, a Civil Servant and resident, while evaluating the impact of GBV prevention programmes in the state, recommended that social norms and beliefs about the practices should be addressed properly.
She said that the practice remained persistent issues facing women and girls which should be tackled continuously to reduce the trend.
“The anti-GBV programmes are yielding results but needed to be deepened.
“Civil society organizations, conflict and other humanitarian emergencies should continue in the fight to change the narrative,” Mbam said.
Also, Mrs. Grace Otuihie, a Social Analyst and resident, applauded the efforts of civil society organizations in the state, Police, Ministry of Women Affairs and international partners.
Otuihie also commended the Family Succor and Upliftment Foundation, a pet project of Mrs. Rachael Umahi, for her interventions so far to end harmful practices against women and girls in the state.
Mrs. Ifesinachi Ezeh, a Teacher and resident, advocated for concerted action toward better strategies to meet women at community level.
She said “I am sure there are women at the rural areas that are still living with inflicted physical, sexual or mental harm and deprivation of liberty.
“Anti-GBV programmes should be taken to those who suffered and had lifetime experiences, not inviting stakeholders to programmes this time,” Ezeh advised.
Another resident, Mr. Chijioke Eze, said information and enlightenment should be deepened to instill change.
Eze advised that measures should be taken to examine change over time in harmful social norms and personal beliefs that maintained and tolerated sexual violence and other forms of GBV against women and girls.(NAN)
