By correspondent in Abuja.
The African Women Lawyers Association of Nigeria (AWLA), Abuja branch, has called for intensified efforts to raise awareness and end violence against women and girls.
The organization made the call during the branch’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence event and its end-of-year celebration in Abuja on Sunday.
Speaking at the event in Abuja,Mrs. Rukaiya Emmanuel, the Abuja branch coordinator of AWLA, emphasized the need for continued advocacy to protect women’s rights. The theme of the event,
“Towards Beijing +30: United to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” highlighted the ongoing efforts to advance gender equality since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the 1995 United Nations World Conference on Women.
“The Beijing Platform for Action remains a progressive blueprint for promoting and safeguarding women’s rights. It identified 12 critical areas of concern, including violence against women, health, education, and economic participation,”
Emmanuel stated.
She noted that global reviews are ongoing to assess progress and strategize for further reforms to eliminate biases against women and girls.
Mrs. Dikibujiri Bobmanuel, a member of AWLA’s national executive body, stressed the urgency of addressing gender-based violence, particularly the alarming increase in gender-related killings.
She reiterated the significance of the Beijing resolution, which underscores equality and the inherent dignity of both men and women.
“The resolution promotes equal rights, access to resources, and opportunities for women and men. It advocates for women’s empowerment and full participation in all spheres of society, as well as shared responsibility within families,” Bobmanuel explained.
She also outlined key rights of women and girls, including bodily autonomy, freedom from sexual violence, the right to vote and hold public office, the right to work and receive fair wages, reproductive rights, and access to education.
In his remarks, Mr. Segun Oyedijo, Lead Consultant, underscored the collective responsibility to combat gender-based violence.
“If you see something, say something. Awareness is crucial to help those in need, and organizations like AWLA are always ready to assist,” he said.
AWLA, a free legal association, provides support to women and girls who have experienced violence, ensuring they have access to justice.
However, Emmanuel added, “While we are committed to helping victims, we do not condone falsehoods.”
Our correspondent reports that the event served as a rallying point for stakeholders to renew their commitment to ending violence against women and achieving gender equality.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
