Desmond Iwuchukwu
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, Rivers State Chapter has called on all relevant stakeholders to eliminate all forms of electoral violence against women.
The association made the call in a statement to commence this year’s 16 days of Activism to end all forms of gender-based violence.
NAWOJ in a statement regretted that violence against women and girls remains the most pervasive human rights violation around the world and stressed the need to protect the rights of women with respect to electoral inclusivity.
The association noted that the atmosphere is already heightened by electoral activities as its prevalence is now being further increased and called for issue-based campaigns as against gender-based campaigns.
Rivers NAWOJ maintained that different forms of gender-based violence have touched the lives of many children, families, and women, especially with the intersecting crises of climate change, global conflict, and economic instability.
It however believed that despite these discouraging trends, there is more proof than ever that electoral violence against women and girls is preventable and lauded the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike for the establishment of Women’s Rights laws and policies in the state.
“This 16 Days, we are encouraging everyone to get involved: from amplifying the voices of women in politics and their activities to supporting women’s organizations and strengthening women’s inclusiveness. We can all encourage women to seek elective positions, reduce and prevent electoral violence against women and girls, and protect women’s electoral rights”, the statement concluded.
The Global theme of this year’s event is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”
