Akwa Ibom Govt, NGOs, And Others Unite Against Gender-Based Violence

Akwa Ibom State has gathered momentum as the state government and diverse non-governmental organisations unite to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s theme, “End Digital Violence against Women and Girls,” aims to raise awareness and educate communities across churches, schools, and local government areas.

The advocacy campaign, which began on November 25 and will run until December 10, seeks to enlighten citizens about the dangers of digital abuse and empower them to take action.

To strengthen this movement, the director of the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Department and secretary of the State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Barr. Emem Ette, partnered with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs), providing funding and educational materials to over 30 NGOs to raise awareness across all local government areas.

She emphasised, “We can only win this war together, connecting as a community against perpetrators.”

Meanwhile, the coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in the State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has reiterated her commitment to strengthening programmes that directly combat gender-based violence and provide support to survivors in the state. “We are working to ensure that our system provides safety, not judgement,” she affirmed.

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This collaborative effort reflects a powerful message: when communities, government, and civil societies come together, change is possible. Akwa Ibom State is setting an example for collective action, demonstrating that a society grounded in awareness, protection, and justice can empower women and girls to live free from fear. The fight against gender-based violence is not just a campaign; it is a call to conscience, courage, and compassion for all.