By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
Women Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), Enugu State, has called on perpetrators of violence on women and girls to have a rethink for the socio-economic development of the family and the nation as a whole.
WOWICAN Chairperson and Convener, Ngozi Avah, made the call during a sensitisation programme on traditional and religious leaders on the prevention of violence against women and girls in Nigeria at Omuoha community town hall, Obuofia Awkunanaw, Enugu State, recently.
Avah said they involved the traditional and religious leaders in the sensitisation campaign to enable information gets to those in rural areas, and the grassroots.
Avah expressed joy that Enugu was among the five states chosen for the project.
A facilitator at the programme, Nnenna Anozie, listed some factors responsible for violence against women to include, patriarchy illiteracy, social norms among others.
According to her, if these actions were not checked, it would lead to fear, anxiety and unproductivity.
Chairman of Christian Association, Enugu State, Emmanuel Ede, described the sensitisation campaign as a right step in the right direction, stressing that the church had taken the bull by the horn by preaching against it and ensuring those found culpable were punished and he commended the organisers of the programme.
Speaking, the traditional ruler of Omuoha community, Obuofia Awkunanaw and Chairman of Nkanu West Traditional Rulers Council, Obiora Igwesi, said any family that experiences gender-based violence would not contribute meaningfully to the society.
He said his community had zero tolerance for violence against women and girls.
A Director in the Enugu State Ministry of Gender Affairs, Esther Mba, described the event as timely considering the high level of gender-based violence in the society.
The event, which had questions and answers sessions, attracted people from different faiths, including representatives from Muslims community in the state.