NGOs Launch Sensitisation Campaign To End Violence In Bayelsa

From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

To commemorate the end of the 16 Days of Activism and World Human Rights Day, the Centre for Clinical Care and Clinical Research (CCCRN), in collaboration with various civil society organizations, launched a sensitization campaign to end violence against women and girls in Bayelsa State.

The sensitization campaign, which featured participants holding placards with inscriptions such as ‘Say no to violence against women and girls’, ‘#no excuses’, and ‘Time to take action is now’, began at the Berger fly-over bridge and ended at the Oxbow Lake community.

According to the report, this initiative demonstrates a commitment to raising awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) and encouraging community participation in combating this pressing issue.

Mr Moses Oleh, CERN’s State Program Manager, emphasized the importance of the 16 Days of Activism in raising awareness and mobilizing people to take action against GBV.

“In Bayelsa, significant progress has been made in reducing both GBV and sexual gender-based violence (SGBV). We are on the streets to show our support for the government and work with all partners to combat all forms of violence against women and girls,” he said.

The campaign also encouraged men to take an active role in efforts to end violence against women, emphasizing the importance of protecting their partners and daughters from all forms of abuse. Mr. Oleh’s message echoes broader calls for male participation in gender equality initiatives.

Mrs. Felicia Owei, Director of the Ministry of Women, Children Affairs, Empowerment, and Social Development, emphasized the campaign’s goal of educating women on their rights.

She stated that collaboration with relevant stakeholders is critical to ensuring that more women, particularly in rural areas, are educated about the dangers of GBV.

“We raise awareness so that people understand that violence against women and girls is not acceptable. Sexual harassment, rape, wife battery, and harmful widowhood practices must all be eliminated, she stated.

The campaign encourages women and girls to seek assistance when confronted with violence, emphasizing the importance of community support in addressing these issues.

Lady Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of WOMAN, urged victims to report incidents of defilement and violence so that perpetrators can be held accountable under the law.

Nnachi mentioned that the 16 Days of Activism is an annual international campaign that starts on November 25 and ends on December 10. It seeks to raise awareness about gender-based violence and advocate for its abolition worldwide.

She stated, “This year’s campaign in Bayelsa State reflects a growing recognition of the importance of comprehensive strategies to combat violence against women and girls.”

“As communities band together to support this cause, there is renewed hope that increased awareness and education will result in tangible changes in attitudes and behaviours toward gender-based violence.”

“Ongoing commitment from both governmental and non-governmental organizations is critical to ensuring that women feel safe and empowered in their communities.”

This campaign’s road walk featured representatives from BANGOF, GRIT, Heartland Alliance, and other community-based organizations (CBOs), demonstrating a united front against GBV.