Wife of the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government, Mrs. Affiong Nkom, has emphasized the need for urgent action to protect women and the girl-child from all forms of violence.
The Ikot Ekpene First Lady also advised school children, girls and women to always speak up and expose perpetrators whenever cases of GBV arises, while also urging them to eschew all forms of all social vices.
Mrs. Nkom made the advocacy, Thursday at the Ikot Ekpene Council Secretariat during a stakeholders dialogue on Gender Based Violence with the theme “UNITE! To End Violence Against Women and Girls,”.
She disclosed the dialogue aims at equipping young people with the requisite knowledge and tools to address the growing challenge of GBV in the society.
Speaking at the event which marked a 16 day activism against GBV jointly organized by the Ikot Ekpene Local Government Gender Based Violence Response Unit and the Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Management Committee, Mrs. Nkom highlighted the importance of collective action in combating GBV.
The theme of the event, “UNITE! To End Violence Against Women and Girls,” was carefully chosen to emphasize the need for collective action in combating GBV.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, described GBV as a menace that requires collective effort to eradicate. He encouraged victims to speak up and stakeholders to join the dialogue.
Resource persons, including Dr. Uduak Akpan, Barr. Maria Akpan, and Pharm. Edidiong Abraham, delivered presentations on GBV, its consequences, and the need for a joint fight to eliminate it. They encouraged victims to report incidents and seek help from support services.
The event was attended by stakeholders, including Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, and HRM Okuku Okon Udo Ukut, Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene. They all emphasized the need for collective action in combating GBV and encouraged victims to speak up.
Students from select public and private secondary schools in the area were also attendance.
