Fight Against GBV Is Collective Responsibility – Group

The Women Support Women for Human Empowerment and Mentorship Initiative, an NGO, says the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a collective responsibility.

The Coordinator of the NGO, Mrs Onyinye Mamah, told newsmen on Sunday in Enugu that GBV was still one of the most pressing human rights issues in the society.

According to Mamah, GBV, including physical, emotional or sexual abuse, domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault is affecting women and girls across communities, regardless of social or economic status.

She said that the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other NGOs in fighting GBV in South-East Nigeria would change the narrative when well-coordinated.

The coordinator also noted that journalists had a critical role to play in shaping GBV narratives, raising awareness and demanding accountability.

“From domestic violence to sexual harassment, harmful widowhood practices, trafficking, and workplace discrimination, women face numerous challenges that are often underreported.

“Cultural silence and societal stigma make it difficult for survivors to seek justice. Many cases go unreported due to fear, lack of legal support, or weak institutional response.

‘’We must continue to speak truth to power, challenge injustice, and use our platforms to drive change,” Mamah said.

The coordinator said that the organisation would organise a road walk to sensitise people about GBV and to report cases to the appropriate agencies and bodies.

She said, “As an organisation, we will continue to do our part to educate people on GBV, how to identify cases, report them and to prevent more cases from happening.’’