Anambra Traditional Rulers Back Campaign On Eliminating Violence Against Women, Girl Child

Anambra state traditional rulers have condemned all forms of violence against women and girls in the state.

They made the statement during a stakeholder’s conference between traditional rulers, the Women Aid Collective,WACOL, in partnership with Ford Foundation West African with Support from Ministry of Local Government Chieftaincy and Community Affairs and the 50/50 Action Women of the state held at Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area.

The traditional rulers called for elimination of violence against women and girls assuring that they are committed to ensuring that women and girls are treated fairly both by tradition and society including eliminating harmful traditional practices against widows, denial of inheritance, forced and girl child marriages , harmful rituals, exploitation and trafficking of women and girls as well as degrading treatment and practices.

They restated support for inclusion of women in decision making and would consider the inclusion of women in the leadership of traditional institutions and leadership at all levels.

Some of the traditional rulers who spoke individually at the event including traditional ruler of Okpuno, Igwe Sunday Okafor, Igwe Christopher Okpala of Akwaeze, Igwe Aloysius Moughalu of Isuofia and his Enugwu Umuoyia counterpart,Igwe Peter Ezeamama commended the founder of Ford Foundation, Professor joy Ezeilo for championing the cause of women and also frowned at parents that do not pay school fees for their girl child.

On his part the Commissioner for Local Government Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Collins Nwabunwanne remarked that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration has zero tolerance for violence against women and called for inclusion of teaching on violence against women in schools, educating males to treat the girl child with passion and care.