BY RITA OYIBOKA
In a bold move to tackle the surge in gender-based violence (GBV), the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, in collaboration with UN Women, has called on traditional rulers to become frontline advocates in the fight to protect women and girls across the state.
The call was made during an advocacy visit to the State Council of Traditional Rulers’ Secretariat in Asaba, where the Ministry, led by Commissioner, Hon Pat Ajudua, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Oghenekevwe Agas engaged royal fathers on their pivotal role in ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
The Commissioner described the rise in gender-based violence, including child marriage, domestic abuse, denial of property rights, and harmful widowhood rites, as alarming and damaging to communities. Victims, she noted, are often silenced by cultural norms or shamed into submission.
“Whatever form this violence takes, it leaves a permanent scar on the hearts of our women and girls, your daughters, sisters, and subjects. We count on your leadership to bring an end to this menace,” Ajudua noted.
The Ministry outlined seven key areas where traditional rulers are being called to take decisive action: conducting community-wide sensitisation against gender-based violence, reviewing and eliminating harmful traditional practices, publicly endorsing anti-violence initiatives, establishing local response mechanisms, strengthening collaboration with government and civil society groups, promoting girl-child education, and enforcing zero tolerance for perpetrators in line with the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Child Rights Law.
She also announced that the State, in partnership with UN Women, is developing a Community-led Action Plan that will be survivor-centred, data-driven, and focused on prevention, advocacy, and survivor support.
Responding to the advocacy call, the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom, HRM Clement Ikolo, expressed strong support for the initiative:
“Women have suffered a lot. Violence comes in many forms: physical, spiritual, and emotional. I have taken steps in my kingdom to address some of these issues. I am available to support this initiative in any shape or form.”
He further encouraged the Ministry to use social media and other platforms to amplify the message, adding that “words go far and wide in this digital age.”
Similarly, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Barr. Anthony Ogbogbo expressed deep concern about culturally entrenched attitudes that promote the subjugation of women:
“There are traditions that violate natural justice. These practices must be reviewed. As traditional leaders, we must rise above outdated norms and champion justice and equality.”
All monarchs reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Ministry’s efforts and urged for deeper engagement and stronger education within the communities.
