Chioma Uzodimma Rallies Traditional Rulers, Communities Against Gender-Based Violence
Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma Rallies Traditional Rulers, Communities Against Gender-Based Violence
By Staff Reporter
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Wife of the Imo State Governor, Chief Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence across the state.
She made the appeal during an advocacy programme on the prevention of gender-based violence held in Nkwerre, which attracted more than 2,000 participants.
Speaking on the theme, "Advocacy for Prevention to End Gender-Based Violence," Mrs. Uzodimma said ending violence against women and girls requires collective responsibility rather than isolated efforts.
She noted that harmful cultural beliefs and social norms continue to fuel abuse and urged community leaders to champion the protection of women, girls and other vulnerable persons, especially in rural communities.
Also speaking, the wife of the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Lolo Ogechi Tema Okeke, pledged the support of traditional institutions in sustaining awareness campaigns against gender-based violence.
In his remarks, Mr. Benjamin Mbakwe commended the Imo State Government for providing a legal framework to address gender-based violence but advocated the establishment of a Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Agency to strengthen implementation and enforcement of existing laws.
Participants described the advocacy programme as a significant step towards changing attitudes, encouraging victims to speak out and building safer communities across Imo State.
Beyond awareness campaigns, what practical steps should communities take to end gender-based violence and protect victims?

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