UNFPA fights against Gender Violence through walk and vigil

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has completed a walk and vigil as part of its 16 days of activism to intensify the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

The walk which was accompanied with the distribution of flyers, wristbands, and a show of placards with inscriptions such as ‘Domestic Violence is criminal, No Violence Against Women, Say No to Rape, and many others sought to inform and educate the general public about the problems it has on the society.

Author, Mental Health and Gender-Based violence advocate, Kuukua Eshun, at the event said the walk was important in combating violence against women.

She was of the view that the 16 days of activism initiated by UNFPA was crucial because it gave women the voice to speak up when they were being violated.

“Such activities needed to be continued to inspire women to stand for their rights,” she said.

Miss Eshun further indicated that the fight and the massive campaigns were gaining traction as women were now beginning to come out when they suffer such violence adding that more was needed to be done in that regard.

She said survivors of sexual violence should muster the courage and swallow their pains and engage other young girls in their communities to educate them on their gender and sexual rights.

Also, Singer and Songwriter and a Gender-Based Violence activist, Ria Boss said campaigns and awareness creation will not solve the problem, but for people to focus on individuals who suffered sexual violence to give them the needed assistance.

“A man or woman who has been sexually assaulted might not even be to report because they are afraid of what will happen or the impression on them,” she stated.

Miss Boss said the walk was also another way that could help victims come out of their pains stronger than before.

She added that the 16 days of activism should be extended to other parts of the country including; the remote areas where there is no access to the internet.

Being the last event of the series of events of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence on the theme, “Orange the world: Generation Equity Stands against Rape!”, and the national theme “Call it Out, Stop Sexual Violence against Women and Girls Now!” was an event, which started on November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, aimed at increasing public awareness of sexual and gender-based violence.