UN, Ayade call for end to violence against women

Wife of Cross River State Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade, has called for an end to harassment and abuse of women.

She made the call during a rally at the weekend in Calabar to mark International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, which is commemorated with a 16-day activism, starting on November 25 to December 10, with the theme: “UNITE! Activism to end Violence against Women and Girls.”

The governor’s wife, who led the rally, accompanied by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs and other women right groups, took to the streets of Calabar to sensitive the public.

In her remarks, she said: “We are here today to sensitise the people of Cross River State that they should stop violating our girls and women

“We are also here to make a strong statement that we are not happy with those who take others for granted, we are not happy with those who take laws into their hands. We have to support the vulnerable ones in our midst, those of us, who are most vulnerable, which is the womenfolk, we need to stand with each other to remain strong.”

Earlier, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr. Gertrude Njar, said, regrettably, that violence against women and girls remained the most pervasive human rights violation around the world.

The UN Women Desk Officer, Mrs. Christiana Asikong, who called for more sensitisation to end violence against women in the state, said UN has been part of the fight right from the beginning.