PIND Reiterates Commitment To Ending Violence Against Women, Girls In Niger Delta
The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) says it is committed to ending violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the oil region.
In a statement issued to mark this year’s 16 days of activism, Yemi Omire, PIND’s gender desk officer, said VAWG persists in the Niger Delta despite ongoing efforts by stakeholders.
She noted that PIND’s peace map recorded at least 490 incidents of VAWG between 2015 and 2023.
“This year alone, reported incidents include rape, witchcraft-related violence, domestic abuse, girl-child molestation, and targeted ritual killings, posing significant threats to human and women’s security with potential socio-economic and political repercussions,” the statement reads.
“The Foundation for Partnerships Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) has been at the forefront of addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the Niger Delta, investing time and resources in collaboration with local organisations.
“For the 2023 commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism, PIND remains committed to continuing these efforts.”
She added that, in line with the sub-theme for the commemoration this year, ‘Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls in the Niger Delta Region’, PIND is working with six female-headed organisations to conduct targeted awareness campaigns, skills acquisition, and capacity-building activities.
The organisations include the South-South Professional Women Association (SSPWA) in Edo State, the Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI) in Imo State, and the Development Initiative for Community Impact (DICI) in Delta. Others include the Women and Community Livelihood Foundation (WOCLIF) in Akwa Ibom State and the Better Living Foundation and Capacity Development (BEFCAD) in Ondo State.
Also, this year, PIND has included persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all the activities and has engaged the Freky Andrew-Essien Care Foundation in Rivers State (PWD), which will collaborate with other PWD-focused organisations to address issues affecting them in line with the campaign theme. The initiative aims to mobilise collective actions to prevent VAWG, empower women, and enhance the economic security and safety of PWDs.
The 16 days of activism, which began on November 25, include some campaigns and activities by PIND’s partner organisations.
