Cross River, UN Women Intensify Campaign Against GBV
By Benjamin GBOR
The Cross River State Government on Wednesday reaffirmed its resolve to intensify the fight against gender based violence as the 2025 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence commenced in Akamkpa.
Speaking at a media briefing organised by UN Women, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, described the annual global campaign as a vital platform for mobilising communities and institutions to end violence against women and girls. This year’s theme is Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.
Hon. Irom commended UN Women for its longstanding partnership with the state, noting that the organisation has played a significant role in strengthening protection systems and promoting gender responsive policies across Cross River. She said UN Women’s interventions have been especially impactful in rural communities where harmful traditional practices have historically endangered women and girls.
“UN Women has supported the development of community guidelines that discourage early marriage, discriminatory widowhood rites, female disinheritance and other practices that undermine the dignity of women,” she said.
She explained that sensitisation programmes, capacity building efforts and community dialogues facilitated by UN Women have helped many communities embrace modern, rights based approaches to protecting vulnerable groups.
Hon. Irom stressed that gender based violence should not be viewed only as a social problem, but also as a public health concern, a development challenge and a moral responsibility. She reaffirmed the readiness of the state government to deepen collaboration with UN Women and other partners, adding that the ministry will continue to support advocacy, community education and the strengthening of agencies responsible for responding to rape, child abuse, molestation, trafficking and other harmful practices.
She also disclosed that the ministry is scaling up economic empowerment initiatives for women, noting that financial independence remains one of the strongest safeguards against exploitation.
“We will intensify our partnership with traditional rulers, faith based organisations and civil society groups to accelerate behavioural change and sustain the gains recorded so far,” she said.
Hon. Irom urged residents to see the protection of women and girls as a collective responsibility.
“Every voice counts. Every action matters. Together, we can build a safer, fairer and more equitable Cross River State for all,” she added.
Community leaders who participated in an interactive session commended UN Women for its deliberate efforts to address cultural and religious practices that undermine the well being and dignity of vulnerable groups, especially women and girls.
