The Voice of Women Foundation for Peace and Unity (VoW) has taken a bold step to address challenges against women violence through advocacy for policies that challenge harmful gender stereotypes to promote inclusive representation.
In a press statement issued on 25th November to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the VoW President Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, emphasised that every day is important to reiterate the safety and security of women.
However, she said this special day is a reminder and a call to action to raise awareness and mobilise efforts in preventing and responding to issues pertaining to violence against women in line with the United Nations Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign to End Violence against Women.
She stated that “at VoW, we are challenging stereotypes and advocating for policies that challenge harmful gender stereotypes to promote inclusive representation.
“We are pushing for a global affirmative action starting with the global date that is set aside from November 25th up until the annual “16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, which runs until December 10th.”
According to the speakers at a press conference, it is essential to raise awareness and take action to prevent and respond to violence against women.
Anyika went ahead to inform that women experience a lot of mental and physical violence but that though it is a pervasive human rights issue that affects millions of women worldwide, many do not speak up for fear of stigmatisation. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, even in public offices.
“Women experience bias which are executed through conspiracies and gang-ups which can affect their mental health adversely.
“This is the reason an organisation like the Voice of Women Foundation play a vital role in raising awareness about the prevalence of this challenge advocating for policies and laws that protect women’s rights in addition to promoting gender equality.
“We therefore challenge harmful gender stereotypes and are tireless in our efforts to create a safer and more equitable world for women especially in Africa.
“At Voice of Women foundation for Peace and Unity, we are deeply involved and have planned a workshop to raise awareness and promote women’s safety and security,” she explained.
Statistics, according to the VoW President show that one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime – (WHO), 38 per cent of murders of women are committed by a male partner – (UNODC), 71 per cent of human trafficking victims are women and girls – (ILO) and the list goes on.
On that platform, she said “we shall educate ourselves, share articles and resources and engage in conversations that will get the attention of relevant organisations to review laws and policies that protect women.”
The Voice of Women Foundation is committed to advocacy for policies that promote gender diversity in addition to challenging violence against women.
Anyika noted that it is time to empower more women and encourage their participation in decision-making processes as well as promoting their leadership participation in various sectors.
She stressed that together, “we can make a difference and work towards a world where women and girls can live free from violence, fear and intimidation even in the workplace.