Panelists discuss strategy against gender-based violence

Women’s rights advocates have called for greater empowerment of women as a strategy to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The issue was raised at a panel discussion at the ongoing Media and Development Conference (MDC) organized by the Center for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Abuja on Monday. The session discussed the topic ‘Strengthening Women’s Economic Empowerment: The Role of Media in Driving Change’.

Speaking during the session, Adaora Onyechere, Executive Director of Gender Strategy and Development International (GSAI), stated that the discussion specifically coincided with the ’16 days of Activism against GBVV’ campaign.

“Interestingly, the theme is ‘Unite, invest to prevent gender-based violence against women and girls,’ so when you hear about investing, many people first turn to currency. You know, coins and bills. “But I want us to look at the validity of the voice, and that’s the speech itself that’s important,” he said.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women commemorated every 25 November in memory of Mirabal sisters Those who were brutally assassinated on November 25, 1960. These women from the Dominican Republic opposed the dictatorship of Dominican military commander and dictator Rafael Trujillo.

Meanwhile, 16 Days of Activism was launched by activists in 1991. This year’s theme is ‘Unite! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women. ‘

Speaking at the event, Ms. Onyechere encouraged the media to continue reporting women’s stories. According to her, media coverage was instrumental in defending the bill to increase women’s representation in the legislature.

He also emphasized the importance of empowering marginalized people, especially Persons with Disability (PWD).

Investing in disabled women and girls

Another speaker, Sussan Ihuoma, shared her struggle to find employment due to her disability.

Ms. Ihuoma lamented that it took her 11 years to find a job despite having three degrees. He noted that people with disabilities, especially women and girls, are often overlooked, creating an additional disadvantage.

“This person is a human being before their disability, so we need to start addressing issues that way. We also need to see where exclusionary measures are being addressed. Because in most interventions, disabled people are not included in the decision-making mechanism. “Our policies do not include people with disabilities,” he said.

difficulties Stigma and stereotypes faced by people with disabilities still persist despite the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which established the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

Ms. Ihuoma noted that women and girls living with disabilities continue to face more challenges than their male counterparts.