…the International Women’s Day Anambra celebration provided an opportunity to highlight the plight of women.
Anaku, Nigeria – The iNews Times | The International Women’s Day Anambra commemoration took a strong advocacy tone as stakeholders called on women across the state to break the chains of oppression and speak out against rights violations and abuse within their communities.
The call was made during a town hall meeting held in Anaku, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State as part of activities marking International Women’s Day.
The event, themed “Rights, Justice, Action, For All Women and Girls,” brought together community leaders, government officials, activists and development partners to discuss challenges facing women and the need for stronger protection mechanisms.
The engagement was organised by the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme.
The programme is funded by the European Union and implemented in Nigeria by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Concerns Over Violence Against Women
Participants at the International Women’s Day Anambra forum expressed concern over what they described as the continued prevalence of violence and abuse against women in the state.
They cited incidents of domestic violence, rape, denial of inheritance rights and other forms of gender-based discrimination.
According to the stakeholders, addressing these issues requires collective action from communities, institutions and government authorities to build a safer and more just society.
They stressed that women must be empowered to speak up against abuse and seek justice whenever their rights are violated.
Call for Action Beyond Policies
Declaring the event open, RoLAC Anambra Project Coordinator, Josephine Onah, said policy commitments alone were no longer sufficient to tackle the challenges confronting women.
She noted that concrete actions and deliberate efforts were required to ensure that women live free from violence and discrimination.
“It is time for women to take charge of their lives and demand their rights. The time has come for women to support one another in reporting cases of abuse and seeking justice,” she said.
Onah added that the International Women’s Day Anambra celebration provided an opportunity to highlight the plight of women who still face violence and inequality.
“We use this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day to remind ourselves that there are people who are still not living free from violence,” she stated.
She also urged traditional rulers, policymakers and government officials to ensure that issues affecting women go beyond policy discussions to concrete actions.
“We must move into action and intentionally remove the limitations affecting women so that every woman can live her life free from violence,” she added.
Government Reaffirms Support
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Chinwe Achugbu, highlighted the significant contributions of women to the state’s growth and development.
According to her, the state government has domesticated several laws aimed at protecting women and children from abuse.
She urged women to take advantage of the available support systems and legal frameworks to seek justice whenever their rights are violated.
Access to Justice Challenges
Presenting a paper titled “Accessing Justice and Legal Protection for Women: Navigating the Justice System Through Understanding Access to Legal Assistance and Procedures,” legal expert Chukwudozie Ifiora said limited access to justice remains a major challenge for women in Nigeria.
He encouraged women to understand available legal tools and procedures so they can better protect themselves under the law.
A rights activist, Rachael Yohanna, also highlighted barriers preventing women from accessing justice.
She listed lack of legal awareness, financial constraints, cultural pressures, fear of victimisation and delays in the justice system as some of the major obstacles women face.
According to her, empowering women with knowledge about their rights is critical to addressing these barriers.
Community Role in Protecting Women
Coordinator of the Child Protection Network Nigeria in Anambra State, Eucharia Anekwe, stressed the importance of community action in ending harmful traditional practices that affect women and girls.
“Community leaders should partner with relevant institutions to protect women’s rights. We must work together to create a safe environment for women and girls,” she said.
Another human rights advocate, Ugochi Freeman, who spoke on “Building Women,” urged parents to begin positive social change from within their homes.
She emphasised that the way parents raise and treat their children, especially girls, plays a major role in shaping future attitudes toward gender equality.
“Parents should teach their children values that promote equality and respect for women’s rights. We must raise responsible children to create a better world,” she said.
Other speakers at the International Women’s Day Anambra event, including Coordinator of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law Committee, Loveth Onyendilefu, stressed that women should enjoy equal rights and opportunities with men.
They urged stronger collaboration among government institutions, communities and civil society organisations to build a fair and inclusive society where women can thrive without fear of discrimination or abuse.
