Abakaliki, Nigeria – In a bid to combat women’s right violations in elections and other forms of violence and abuse, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Ebonyi State Chapter, is partnering with the Women Situation Room Nigeria, (WSRN).
The chairperson of NAWOJ, Nkechinyere Oginyi, while recieving the group at Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki, stated that the partnership will amplify the voices of women and ensure that their rights are protected.
Oginyi, represented by the state Secretary of NAWOJ, Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi, implored women to shy away from unwillingness, intimidation, amongst other barriers that hinder them from actively participating in politics.
The Chairperson outlined NAWOJ’s effort in promoting gender equality, Justice and women empowerment in Nigeria, stressing the importance of women’s participation in peace and security processes according to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
She applauded the group for its agenda and assured that women journalists in the state would ensure that the objectives are achieved.
The Coordinator of the Women Situation Room in Ebonyi, Lorieth Nwafor, said the group’s concept which was first implemented in Liberia in 2011, works to ensure peaceful and credible elections, with a focus on women’s participation
Nwafor noted that women participate in elections but are often confronted with violence by political actors and their supporters which she said had made many women to lose interest in the nation’s political process.
She described gender based violence and violence against women in elections as human rights violations that undermine the principles of democracy, equality and justice.
“In many societies, women continue to face various forms of violence and discrimination, before, during and after elections,” Nwafor stated.
