The Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Rivers State Branch, in partnership with the Center for Health and Development at the University of Port Harcourt, is launching a campaign aimed at empowering women and girls to mitigate their vulnerability to abuse.
During a National Press Conference marking the start of the 2024 16-Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence, MWAN’s National President, Prof. Rosemary Ogu, emphasized the importance of equipping women with knowledge, education, and resources. She noted that raising awareness is crucial in preventing societal norms that perpetuate violence against women.
Prof. Ogu also advocated for the establishment of laws that hold perpetrators accountable and called for comprehensive national strategies backed by increased funding to support women’s rights movements.
Dr. Vetty Agala, the National Coordinator of MWAN, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the fight against gender-based violence is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the government. “Every well-meaning Nigerian must contribute to the eradication of this scourge,” she stated.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Recommitment, Accountability, Resourcing – Towards Beijing+30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” underscoring the urgent need for unified action in the quest for gender equality and safety for women and girls across the nation.