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Unravel key GBV hotspots
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River State Government and UN Women are joining forces to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the state, with key hotspots identified in agricultural plantations and the transport sector.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Edema Irom, revealed this during a media engagement in Akamkpa Local Government Area, marking the launch of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
“Cocoa plantations are one of the major hotspots with GBV activities, alongside other thick forests.
“There are children there who are not in school, working, and cheap labour is a form of GBV.
“We also have the transport sector where most times girls are taken to the park and transported to distant locations,” she said.
She also highlighted the waterways where women are being trafficked through, saying as part of the 16 Days Activism, the ministry will prioritise advocacy visits to key stakeholders to help address these concerns.
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She also said victims face a major challenge accessing medical care and said they also hope to advocate that sexual-based violence be captured in the health insurance scheme in the state.
The Women Commissioner welcomed the commitment of UN Women to the rights and protection of women and girls in the state.
According to her: “Over the years, UN Women has worked closely with us to strengthen our institutional capacity, support survivors and promote gender-responsive policies.”
She said the state government is committed to working with UN Women and other partners to intensify prevention, strengthen response systems and ensure stricter enforcement of laws that safeguard the rights of women and children.
This year’s 16 Days of Activism is themed: “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls”.
