RSG Condemns Violence Against Women

Against the backdrop of the need to end all forms of violence and discrimination against women globally, the Rivers State government has commenced activities marking this year’s International Day on the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Barrister Manuela George-Izunwa who unveiled the 16-day programme last Friday during an interactive session with media men decried the prevalence of violence against women in contemporary society.

“Violence against women is frighteningly prevalent in our society today. Women are subjected to unimaginable terrors in every sphere of life,” she said, saying the campaign was intended to address violence against women in society with a view to protecting them.

According to the commissioner, the campaign also aimed at changing the attitudes and behaviour that breed violence, developing violence against women and girls and to strengthen the capacity of civil society organisations to effectively advocate for and implement violence prevention programmes.

Barrister George-Izunwa used the occasion to denounce domestic violence, workplace violence, especially in the banks and hotels, all forms of psychological and emotional violence and harmful socio-cultural practices which tend to humiliate the womenfolk.

In her contribution, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr Patricia Ogbonna condemned the mental torture and trauma women endure following violence against them, especially rape.