….honours 15 as human rights champions

Coalition of Women led groups and organisations in Bayelsa State joined the global community in marking the 2024 edition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a call for collective action to end violence against women and girls.

The campaign, which took place from November 25 to December 10, witnessed the coalition of women led organizations, the Bayelsa Police command, community leaders , Government agencies, youth groups and male gender champions.

Also involved are the leadership of Female muslims Bayelsa ( FOMWAN), the Nigerian Medical Association Gender Committee, Okpoitari Diongoli Foundation, Team Lead End Violence Against Women and Children, Fomwan Bayelsa, Association Against Child Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Female Artisans Bayelsa State chapter, APWEN Bayelsa and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The event, with this year’s theme, “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,”, witnessed various advocacy activities across communities in Bayelsa State with focus on education, advocacy, and survivor support.

The coalition of women led organisations conducted awareness campaigns, including town hall meetings, roadshows, and media engagements and a cocktail, to highlight the pervasive issue of GBV and the importance of collaboration in tackling GBV. “Gender-based violence is not just a women issue; it affects families, communities, and our society at large.

The Coalition of Women-led organisations also took the advocacy talk to the popular Kpansia market and before God at the Royal House of Grace Church in the State capital.

According to the groups, the advocacy efforts must be strategic and conducted with a United front to ensure every woman and girl is safe and empowered to thrive.

The event also witnessed the recognition and awards to Fifteen (15) deserving Bayelsa Indigenes and organisation that had shown boldness and support towards amplifying the message of zero tolerance for gender-based violence (GBV). They include the Bayelsa Police command, community leaders , Government agencies, Youth groups and male gender champions.

During the rally and 2 kilometre road walk along Yenagoa, the state capital, the
Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha pledged the union’s total support towards the campaign, assuring that the union, under his leadership, would do its best to amplify the voices of women and girls across the land to make the society better for all.

Comrade Tonye Yemoleigha also charged women and girls to continue pushing forward and demonstrate courage when society tries to shut them up,. enjoining them to continue to speak up until their dreams were achieved.

The NUJ chairman said it was imperative for the voices of women in Bayelsa State to be heard, and while commending the government for its women support policies and programmes, noting that there was need for more to be done.

He commended the leadership of the Bayelsa coalition of women led organisations for their doggedness in mobilizing women for this 16-days activism and enjoined them never to give up.

Speaking earlier, the Team Lead, Do Foundation, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Coalition, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry told the NUJ leadership that the coalition of women-led organizations in Bayelsa State were in his office as part of the ongoing campaign against gender-based violence and advocacy for human rights in Nigeria, to deliver a simple message; that women and girls voices should be amplified by the NUJ in Bayelsa State.

“We did this road walk with the intention of amplifying the voices of women and girls all over the world against all forms of violence against them, and we have come to seek your support, to amplify our voices further”, she said.

In their separate remarks, HRM Queen Tecy Diongolo, Founder Okpoitari Diongoli Foundation, the National Coordinator Female Artisans, Helen Ndiomu, Rev Tonye Ayamah( our He for she), Tari Tina Youdubagha,Team Lead End Violence Against Womenand Children, Madam Nursere, Fomwan Bayelsa, Association Against Child Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Celina Agama, Chairperson Female Artisans Bayelsa State chapter, and little Miss Gonakro Dise Precious, all reiterated the point that rights of girls, children generally and women matter in the society, and urged the NUJ Bayelsa to broadcast this fact for all women in the state.

During their radio sensitisation programmes, community leaders were charged to champion gender-sensitive reforms and challenge harmful practices that perpetuate violence against women.

Also in their contributions, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Political Matters, High Chief Collins B Cocodia,who spoke during the cocktail organised as part of the grand finale to celebrate human rights champions, urged women to be very prepared for leadership positions.

Also, the Chairperson of the Coalition of Women led Organisation in the State and APWEN Bayelsa, noted that over the years Women have been bruised abused and victimised, and the leaders of the various groups thought it wise to come together and amplify the voices of women within this sixteen days of activism while choosing the world human tights day to celebrate human rights champions by presenting awards to deserving human rights champions.

Dr. Chief Anthonia Garner of United kingdom and Mrs Tombra Uzaka of Canada were unanimously nominated as Patrons for the coalition.

In addition to awareness campaigns, the 16 Days of Activism also provided a platform to spotlight resources available to survivors of GBV and the DO foundation offered free counselling and legal aid services throughout the campaign.

Several women came forward to share their stories, breaking the silence around abuse and encouraging others to seek help.

The campaign also highlighted the need to strengthen enforcement mechanisms as pointed out by the leadership of Female muslims Bayelsa ( FOMWAN) and Dr Divine who is the Chairperson of Nigerian Medical Association gender committee at the National level.

During a roundtable discussion, stakeholders called for the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) law in Bayelsa State, which provides legal protection for victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The Bayelsa coalition of women led organisations also used social media, music, and drama to reach a broader audience sparking widespread engagement beyond Bayelsa State.

As the 16-day campaign wraps up, stakeholders have emphasized the need for sustained action as the fight against GBV can not end with the campaign. “This is a long-term struggle that requires commitment from everyone—government, communities, and individuals alike. Together, we can create a safer Bayelsa for our women and girls.”

With its blend of advocacy, education, the applaud to human rights champions and survivor support stategy, the 2024 16 Days of Activism has reaffirmed the commitment of the coalition of women led organisations in the state’ to keep pushing in ending gender-based violence and creating a society where equality and justice prevail.