Rivers To Reduce Gender-Based Violence To Five Per Cent

The Rivers State government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling gender-based violence (GBV), aiming to reduce its prevalence to between 5-10%.

This was disclosed by Ilamu Arugu, State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, during a meeting with the Heads of the subcommittee on GBV prevention, in Port Harcourt.

The Commissioner said the move is part of the state’s broader efforts to address GBV, which has been a persistent issue in Nigeria.

According to recent statistics, 65.5% of women of reproductive age in Cross River State have experienced physical violence since age 15.

While expressing gratitude to the coordinator of the subcommittee, Evelyn Asimiea Membere and her team for their tireless efforts and cooperation, the Commissioner emphasized that their work is crucial in protecting the people and ensuring their safety.

He said: “This is not about compensation; it’s about protecting our people and their safety.

“Our ministry will do everything humanly possible to ensure Rivers State is not left behind at curbing this menace.

“I have the governor’s mandate to treat this issue and will send my report to him based on my interface with you. Our aim is not only to meet ActionAid’s guidelines but to create a long-lasting impact within our communities”, he stated.

He expressed optimism that their expertise and commitment will enable them navigate the challenges of GBV, in the course of discharging the set assignment.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee on GVB prevention who is also the Head of the office of the Public Defender in the State, Asimiea-Membere said their visit was to seek the ministry’s support and introduce themselves to the commissioner on a closer range.

Furthermore, their visit was to intimate him about the progress of work done so far, knowing his ministry is the foundation in which the project can thrive.

Asimiea-Membere stated that after their inauguration by the Commissioner, four subcommittees were set up namely; Advocacy, Support Services, Information and Awareness. Traditional Rulers/ Religious Leaders are to drive the project as well.

She disclosed of plans by the state led committee to launch an outreach program in the coming weeks at some Communities in Abua/ Odual LGA of the State, aimed at educating the local communities on GBV issues, especially Female Genital Mutilation, adding that the committee will work with the local leaders to ensure the initiative resonates at the grassroots level.

She further stated that the committee plans to host a 16- Day Activism event in November, convening 150 key stakeholders to discuss and strategize on GBV issues in Rivers State.

According to her, approximately five million naira has been allocated to cover outreach activities, advocacy, and support services for GBV survivors, adding that despite budget adjustments, the committee is committed to maintaining core components of the outreach, including public sensitization through radio, television jingles, and community-led meetings.

The committee, funded by ActionAid Nigeria, comprises key stakeholders from various ministries, faith-based organizations, and traditional institutions. Their focus is on creating a long-lasting impact within communities, ensuring that every woman and girl in Rivers State live free of gender based violence.

Rivers To Reduce Gender-Based Violence To Five Per Cent is first published on The Whistler Newspaper