By ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo –
A coalition of NGOs has launched sensitization campaigns against Gender and Sexual Based Violence as part of a month long activity to raise awareness on its dangers and the consequences
The campaigns which are carried out in partnership with the sexual and gender based violence response department in the state ministry of justice have taken the groups to schools, market squares and churches across the state.
It was conducted under the aegis of “United Against Violence” to mark five years of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in the state.
Two of the groups, Goodnews Lifecare Development Initiative and Doro Voice Initiative conducted sensitization programmes at Ikono Ibom secondary school Ikot Anyan Ikono Uyo Local Government Area of the state.
During the session, the representative of the principal shared insights on the prevalence of violence against persons within the school and highlighted efforts to address Gender-Based Violence.
Ofonmbuk Ukpohu, who lead the team presented an overview of the Prohibition (VAPP) Law to the students and the referral pathways and a school training manual to the principal.
The school management hailed the SGBV team’s efforts and pledged its cooperation while the questions asked by students during during interactive session, underscore the need for further awareness initiatives.
Similarly, Vitonia Lead International Foundation led by Blessing Gordon conducted sensitization activities at St. Andrews AC School and the Idu Market, Idu Uruan.
In the meeting, the Village Head expressed concern over the rising involvement of young people in drug abuse and pointed out how some individuals in high positions often frustrate efforts to secure justice in GBV-related cases.
He assured of his support and stated that any such cases brought to his attention would not be taken lightly. He also appreciated the sensitization effort and requested that a date be fixed for a follow-up session to address a larger gathering of villagers.
A total of 1520 cases of GBV have been recorded in the state between January 2020 and June 2, this year.
