The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment to combating gender-based violence, GBV, emphasizing that such acts often originate within the family unit.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Roseline Uranta, made this assertion at an event in Port Harcourt, where she highlighted the ongoing advocacy efforts by the Ministry to educate the public on the dangers of GBV, coinciding with the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign observed globally by the United Nations.
In a statement issued by the Head of Press at the Ministry of Women Affairs, Joy Briggs, the commissioner condemned all forms of gender based violence, particularly those targeting women.
She described gender based violence as any crime against a human being, stressing that the Ministry of Women Affairs is especially focused on addressing violence against women.
Uranta urged parents to foster love, unity, and peaceful coexistence within their families, noting that strong family values can translate to a society with higher moral standards and fewer crimes, particularly those committed against women.
The commissioner further emphasized that gender based violence can be prevented through a combination of strategies, including public enlightenment, community and stakeholder engagements, and deliberate policy reforms.
She encouraged victims of violence to speak up and seek support through the Ministry of Women Affairs and other relevant agencies.
