By Uzo Ugwunze
The Chairperson of the Nigeria League of Women Voters (NILOWV), Anambra State Chapter, Dr. Anuli Aguiyi, has called on women to unite against gender-based violence and become more actively involved in leadership and politics to build a safer and better society.
Dr. Aguiyi made the call at the 2026 NILOWV Summit & Award Day at CANA House Awka, which brought women from across the state and beyond together to deliberate on the theme, “Curbing Gender-Based Violence: A Tool for a Better Society.”
She described NILOWV as a non-partisan, non-tribal and non-profit civic organisation committed to encouraging women to defend democracy and take up leadership positions.
She said the rising cases of gender-based violence, which have caused injuries, trauma and in some cases death, make it urgent for women to share experiences and find practical ways to address the menace, noting that although women are mostly affected, men also suffer abuse and everyone deserves protection.
According to Dr Aguiyi, our aim today include To create awareness about the forms and impact of GBV, To challenge harmful norms and stereotypes that sustain it, To inform everyone about where to seek help and how to support survivors, To strengthen our collective commitment to say No to violence. If you see something”.
The guest speaker, FIDA Chairperson, Anambra State Branch, Barr. Amara Muojeke ably represented by Barr Uchenna Ekwerekwu , Chief State Counsel Ministry of Justice,was present to provide legal perspectives and practical guidance on preventing and addressing gender-based violence.
Barr. Uchenna Ekwerekwu urged everyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, abuse or gender-based violence to speak up and report immediately at the nearest police station, assuring that victims will receive support and perpetrators will be brought to justice.
She said the police have been directed to respond promptly and professionally to such cases, and victims can also approach the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit at the Ministry of Justice, stressing that having laws is not enough, what matters is effective enforcement and accountability.
Ekwerekwu called for collective action to end harmful traditional practices, such as denying a separated or divorced woman a place in her father’s home, and urged men, traditional rulers and community leaders to join in building a society where women and children are protected, respected and free to pursue their dreams.
Moreso, former Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board ASUBEB, Dr Vera Nwadinobi urged both men and women to embrace hard work, self-reliance and mutual respect to reduce gender-based violence, noting that financial dependence can make anyone vulnerable to abuse.
Dr Nwadinobi who was also an awardee stressed that abuse affects both genders and can be prevented when couples share responsibilities fairly, respect each other and treat their partners with dignity.
Earlier in his opening remark, the Occasion Chairman, Engr Sir Michael Nwabueze who was represented by Mr. Damian described gender-based violence as a growing concern in the society, with increasing reports of sexual assault, molestation and husbands battering their wives.
He blamed alcoholism and drug addiction as major contributors, expressing worry over young boys as young as 12 getting addicted to drugs, and called for collective action to tackle substance abuse, raise awareness and help victims and addicts get rehabilitation.
The trio of the NILOWV State Secretary, Dr Chika Menkiti, LOC Chairman NILOWV Anambra State, Lady Obiageli Ozojiofor and an awardee, Dr Virgy Ejezie, Provost Federal College of Education (Technical) Umunze urged men to sit up to their responsibilities as leaders of the home as they support the fight against GBV, Marginalization and discrimination of the female folks.
Highlights of the event was the empowerment of about seven GBV Victims with undisclosed cash gifts while about 15 dignitaries were honoured for supporting women which include APGA candidate for Anambra State House of Assembly Awka South Constituency 1, Hon Samuel Igwedimma Nwofor, Occasion Chairman, Engr Sir Michael Nwabueze, Former ASUBEB Chairman, Dr Vera Nkiru Nwadinobi, Provost FCE(T) Umunze, Dr Virgy Ejezie, FIDA Chairperson Anambra State, Barr Amara Muojeke Esq, Amb. Iruoma Angel Onuko Muoh (CEO – IOM) foundation.