GPSDC expresses concern over increasing wave of gender-based violence in Anambra

• Laments low number of women in political, leadership spaces

The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDS) has expressed concern over rising gender-based violence (GBV) in Anambra State.

The Executive Director of GPSDC, Mrs. Eucharia Anekwe, expressed concern, yesterday, in Awka, during a consultative meeting with Nwayibuife Women Advocacy Team and law enforcement partners on gender-based violence, which was supported by Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Ford Foundation.

While urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo to establish a task force to tackle the upsurge of gender-based violence in the state, Anekwe argued that a state-based task force would reduce the rate of the menace in the state.

She noted that states like Lagos, Delta, Enugu and others have established a task force to address the menace, lamenting that Anambra has none.

She added that the task force would be responsible for organising sensitisation against GBV and creating awareness of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP), which will equally help to give more confidence to survivors to report cases.

Anekwe also lamented a low number of women in political and leadership spaces, particularly, in Anambra and Nigeria, in general, as she urged girls and women to pursue careers in politics to increase their participation.

She attributed the low representation of women in politics to gender, cultural and religious factors, the high cost of politics, as well as political party systems and structures in the country.

According to Anekwe, Nigeria cannot achieve gender equality if women and girls are not encouraged and groomed to participate and get fully involved.

Anekwe said: “It is a fact that about half of Nigeria’s population are women; their participation will create a balance of power between genders.

“Full and equitable participation of women in public life is essential to building and sustaining strong, vibrant democracy in the country.”

Also speaking, a representative of Child Protection Network, Mrs. Uju Onyendilefu, explained that pursuing a career in politics is the best way to break into the country’s political space, insisting that there is a need to begin to mentor secondary school girls to pursue careers in politics.