Reps advocates for elimination of sexual, gender violence
By Modupe Shodeinde
The House of Representatives has called on government to develop action plans to eliminate gender-based violence against women.
The call was made by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha from Abia State, on Wednesday during plenary to mark “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women”.
According to Onyejeocha, “Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today it is largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.”
She explained that this violence is manifested in physical, sexual and psychological forms. This she said includes intimate partner violence (battering, psychological abuse, marital rape, femicide).
Also, sexual violence and harassment (rape, forced sexual acts, unwanted sexual advances, child sexual abuse, forced marriage, street harassment, stalking, cyber harassment); human trafficking (slavery, sexual exploitation); female genital mutilation; and child marriage.
Onyejeocha appealed that there was an urgent need to call on government and relevant stakeholders, to develop gender-responsive plans to expand basic public education, infrastructure, health care and security in rural areas.
