By Asuquo Cletus
Calabar —With the theme “United To End Gender Based Violence”, the Student Union Government of the University of Calabar, in collaboration with You Can B initiative has held a sensitization rally to celebrate the 2024 edition of 16 days of activism against Gender based violence NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
The rally, which kicked off from the Mary Slessor Roundabout on Saturday morning proceeded through the streets of Calabar, and ended at the Malabor Square within the university premises.
Participants, comprising students, faculty members, and staff of the university, carried various placards and banners bearing inscriptions such as “Say No to Gender-Based Violence,” “Stop violence against the girl child ,” “Not the Girl Child,” and other messages condemning violence against women and girls.
The rally was organized to show solidarity with the 16 women who lost their lives to gender-based violence, and to raise awareness about the devastating impact of such violence on individuals and families.
Addressing the gathering at Malabo Square, the Student Union Government president Blessing Alims called for an end to gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for collective action to protect the rights and dignity of women.
Alims stressed that the university would continue to play a leading role in promoting gender equality, challenging harmful gender stereotypes, and advocating for policies and practices that protect the rights and well-being of women and girls.
She said “We must unite and say no against gender based violence, of course the issue is not just the girls alone, but also the men are involved.
“But most times it is as if the case is really about the women, it is because women are the most vulnerable when it comes to issues of abuse and GBV.
“Malabites and Malabress stand against sex for grades, we speak out against gender based violence, in our homes, places of worship, work places, schools community and villages, No means No”, She said.
Also speaking the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon Edema Irom commended the SUG for organizing the rally and emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to eradicate gender-based violence.
She said “We must work together to create a society where women and girls can live without fear of violence or harassment,” she said. “We must challenge the cultural and social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls, and we must support survivors of gender-based violence.”
The Commissioner also announced that the state government would continue to investigate and prosecute cases of gender-based violence.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence against women and girls in our state,” she said. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice and that survivors receive the support and care they need,” She added.
