11 PERSONS CONVICTED FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN EBONYI IN THE LAST 10 MONTHS

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

Ebonyi State now ranks second on Gender Based Violence Dashboard as reported cases rise from 750 to 1007 within ten months.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Chinwe Okah, announced this at a press conference to commemorate the 2022 International Women’s Day in Abakaliki.

The press briefing, which centred on the theme of the event, “Break the Bias,” was aimed at drawing the attention of stakeholders to the challenges confronting women and the need for them to speak up on issues affecting their rights.

Mrs. Okah noted that the increase in the number of reported cases of violence against women and girls followed sensitization of Civil Society Organisations and Service Providers as well as the setting up of Gender Based Violence Task Force.

She explained that of the 695 suspected offenders, only 11 were convicted within the period and called for increased access to justice for survivors.

Mrs. Okah identified lack of safe space for survivors as a major challenge, emphasising that among the 1007 reported cases, 11 survivors got access to shelter while the rest were left to their fate.

In an interview, the Gender Desk Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Florence Onwa, pointed out that the issue of poor access to justice for survivors was being addressed as the Office of the Wife of the State Governor had facilitated the establishment of a Mobile Court to try offenders.

The Ministry had before the Conference staged a road walk in some major streets of Abakaliki to create awareness on Women’s Rights.