Cross River State documents 586 incidents of gender-based violence within a span of 10 months.

 

The Commissioner for Women Affairs in Cross River, Mrs. Edema Irom, revealed that the state recorded 586 cases of gender-based violence between January and October. Speaking at a news conference to launch 16 days of activism against GBV, she clarified that the reported figure represents officially documented cases. Irom mentioned the ministry's efforts to establish structures in collaboration with NGOs across the state's 18 local government areas to address GBV in real time.

She highlighted the existence of a Technical Working Group (TWG), consisting of ministry and NGO members, which meets quarterly to review initiatives aimed at tackling the issue. The 16-day activism seeks to raise awareness about gender-based violence and honor those who fought against it globally. Starting on November 25 and concluding on December 10, the event commemorates the murder of 16 women in the Dominican Republic, killed for their activism against GBV, as well as other important days like World Day for HIV prevention and International Human Rights Day.

Mr. Remi Ajuga from the National Human Rights Commission emphasized the Commission's dedication to addressing gender-based violence, stating that the activism signifies the beginning of a journey to end this menace.