Israel Umoh
The United Nations Women, Thursday, appointed Akwa Ibom monarch and the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, Edidem Sylvanus Okon as its Global figure to join the body in preaching against anti-gender issues to the world.
Also known as United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, the United Nations Women elevated Edidem Okon to the global body for publicly declaring and affirming to abolish gender-based violence and harmful practices in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
Ibrahim Nurudeen, Programme Manager of UN Women announced this during a one-day Public Declaration Against gender-based violence and harmful practices for Clan heads, Village Heads, Village Chairmen and their wives in Uyo Local Government Area held at Uyo Traditional Rulers Council, Wellington Bassey Way End.
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Nurudeen speaking at the seminar organized by Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) in partnership with United Nations Women commended the Paramount Ruler for affirming the declaration against gender-based violence and vowed to make him a Global Subject.
He reminded the people that UN Women similarly appointed the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku Local Government Area in Cross River State a Global figure for affirming against gender-based violence and harmful practices against women.
‘‘UN Women will take you around the world and you will help to spread the message to the people to reduce the menace. We are grateful for your exemplary support to this historic public declaration,’’ the Programme Manager assured.
Nurudeen who said in the past some traditional rulers used customary laws rooted in cultural and normative rules to rid societal deviants asked the Royal Father to issue and enforce an order for compliance against the prevailing gender-based violence.
In her remarks, Ms. Patience Ekeoba, the acting Deputy Representative on UN Women, said ‘‘We are here to witness and stand in solidarity with the leadership of Uyo Kingdom as they publicly declare the abolition of Female Genital Mutilation, wife battery, sexual violence, and other harmful traditional practices.
‘‘UN Women recognizes the unique and powerful role of traditional institutions in shaping social norms and influencing behaviour at the grassroots level.’’
Ekeoba commended the Paramount Ruler and the Uyo Traditional Council for the bold and commendable step toward cultural transformation rooted in dignity and equality and Ford Foundation and LEAP Project for supporting and strengthening the voice and agency of traditional and faith actors to challenge harmful practices and promote gender equality at the community level.
She said UN Women is proud to partner traditional leaders, government institutions, civil society, and communities to eliminate all forms of Gender-Based Violence, noting ‘‘We remain committed to supporting capacity-building, community engagement, and the development of community-led guidelines that translate today’s declaration into sustainable action.’’
The UN Representative pledged to provide technical support for coordination, communications, monitoring and evaluation, and accountability mechanisms to ensure impact, and encouraged all community members, especially men and boys to be champions for gender equality and justice.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Inibehe Etukudo represented by Mrs Nkechi Udoh Ekanem, a Director in the ministry, commended WARIF and Uyo Traditional Rulers Council for their decision to fight and abolish gender-based violence and harmful practices in the society, assuring of the ministry’s cooperation in this regard.
The President of FIDA, Akwa Ibom Chapter, Mrs Helen Umanah commended Uyo Traditional Rulers Council for their pledge to abolish rapes, assault and battery, victimization of widows and female children.
Earlier, the Programme Manager, Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Mrs Adeola Potts Johnson, had frowned at the gender-based violence and harmful practices, and called for a stop in the interest of the society.
Johnson commended the Commissioner of Women Affairs for sending a representative, FIDA and Uyo Traditional Rulers Council for joining hands to eradicate gender-based violence and harmful practices from the society.
