By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
November 25th every year is celebrated by the United Nations as International Day on the Elimination of Violence Against Women, this year was non exception as Advocates for Global Peace Forum International commemorated the day with pomp.
This years theme “Orange the world,” which means make the world bright while gender violence is eliminated”. was coined to ensure the elimination of gender voilence within the society, especially with the revelation that 37 women died in Lagos in 2021 as a result of Violence against them.
The United Secretary-General António Guterres who spoke on the importance of the day, said he is committed to ending all forms of violence against women and the girl child. He sees it as the world’s most horrific, persistent and widespread human rights violations which affects every three woman in the world.
He called on the people to see sexual violence against women and girls as one that is rooted in centuries of the male domination. adding that gender inequalities that fuels rape culture are essentially a question of power imbalances.
Guterres called on government and the private sector, Civil Society and people everywhere to take a firm stand against sexual violence and misogyny, but noted that “we must promote women’s rights and equal opportunities.”
Two prominent members of the society were honoured with Honorary Doctorate award (Honoris causa) by The Institute Superior de Communication et de Gestion (ISCG) University Benin Republic in Humanitarian Management for their outstanding support to women development. The awardees include Chief Mmerigwo Henry Iyke the CEO of Merimerid International Limited, as well as Chief Ifeanyi Harry Jefery, the CEO of Ocean Growth Villa PTY a leading real estate company in Johannesburg South Africa, among others.
Speaking to journalsits after being awarded a doctorate degree, Chief Harry Jefrey expressed joyed over the award, appreciating Advocates for Global Peace for recognising him, especially when he never knew that some people were taking not of his humanitarian assistance to the poor and less privilege in the society.
He said he has initiated some empowerment programmes toassist many families including young people, particularly training many youths in various skills and vocational acquisition.
Ifeanyi who said he did not leave the widows, physically challenged in his communities out, pointed out that he extended his hands of benevolence too to schools around his communities by giving some children scholarship.
While Henry Iyke, dedicated his award to the people of his community Uli, he expressed joy that Advocates for Global Peace can recognise him too that his ability to invests in the health sectors in his community has also won him this award.
He said he had provided pipe borne water to his community of Uli in Anambra state and right now he is constructing a three kilometer road in Uli as well.
Also speaking at the event the President of the Advocacy who was represented by his Media Relation Officer Mr. Ikemefunna Onah described the advocates as a Non-Governmental Organisation which promotes peace, empowerment of various kind relief intervention, both for the less privilege and widows.
Advocates for Global Peace Forum was founded in 2012, according to him it has been 9 years since the group was founded, explaining that they are still pushing to achieve the aim of why the forum was formed which is peace and that they are not giving up but their goal to see a world free of all kinds of social vices.
He also used the forum to call on the government to increase security awareness and beef up-security during this period of festivity in the country to make sure that there is safety for Nigerians as they travel this period.
Dr. (Mrs) Nkiruka Ifekwem, the head of business Department Bells University, Ota-Ogun State spoke on Violence Against Women, lamenting that gender violence against women comes as a result of Emotional silence in their homes.
She cried out that Emotional silence can kill a woman because she is affected by the physical/Emotional violence, lamenting that most times men are not comfortable when women talk about violence against follow woman.
She explains that equality should be a where the woman brings out those beautiful quality God created in her, but then called on the women not to hide their talent because of these emotions meted against them in the home, but that they should use the dual power God has given them to do things.
She warned that the sexual life of a woman belongs to her, and that it must be sorted out by love not force.
Lamenting that a girl child of 13years could be married out but then a girl child of 15years cannot get admission because she is underage. so this are some of violence which women go through in the society.