The National Association of Women Journalists, (NAWOJ) has stressed the critical and urgent need for the stepping up of concerted and deliberate global efforts towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women.
In a statement issued on Wednesday while marking the 2020 “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women”, NAWOJ President, Ladi Bala canvassed for all hands to be on deck towards putting an end to all forms of violence that include: rape, domestic violence, psychological torture as well as other forms of maltreatment against women.
“We, therefore, call on all tiers of government and other critical stakeholders in Nigeria to put in place and advance measures towards safeguarding the fundamental rights of women in Nigeria”, She pleads.
While condemning all forms of gender based violence against women, the NAWOJ President assured that “the Association will continue to joint hands with relevant and critical stakeholders towards eliminating the rising and unacceptable cases of violence against women.”
Bala says that NAWOJ under her leadership is determined and will step up advocacy on gender based violence as well as encourage victims to speak out and free themselves from the shackles of oppression and oppressors.
NAWOJ commends the United Nations General Assembly for earmarking a day for the elimination of violence against women.
It equally described as a welcome development the choice of this year’s theme: “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” as the advocacy to put in the front burner, issues that affect an estimated one-third (one in every three) women in their lifetime.
The NAWOJ President said that, “just like the UN desires to raise awareness on the fact that women around the world are subject of violence, the Association is more than ever determined to unite and work with other stakeholders to put an end to the menace of violence against women, particularly in Nigeria, stressing that the time for action is now”.
