Agency Report
The United Nations Association of Africa has launched help desk telephone lines to support victims of violence against women and girls nationwide.
The helplines, 08000333333 and 08028761406, were unveiled on Friday in Lagos during activities marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The UN-designated commemoration seeks to raise awareness and mobilise action against all forms of gender-based violence.
UNAA President-General, Mr Sylvester Okafor, said the helplines would strengthen reporting and response mechanisms for survivors of abuse.
Represented by his adviser, Gifty Okafo, Okafor described violence against women as a pervasive human rights violation cutting across social and cultural boundaries.
He said physical abuse, sexual violence, emotional trauma and economic deprivation threatened peace, development and social stability.
Okafor added that ending violence against women was central to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Five on gender equality.
“Violence against women manifests in many forms, including physical and sexual abuse, emotional trauma and harmful traditional practices,” he said.
He noted that sustainable development remained impossible while women and girls continued to live in fear.
“We cannot talk about peace or prosperity when half of our population lives under constant threat of violence,” Okafor said.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Iyiola Oni, of the University of Lagos, described violence against women as a major barrier to gender equality.
Oni called for a multi-faceted response involving education, legal frameworks, community engagement and survivor support.
He stressed the need to amplify survivors’ voices and engage men and boys as allies in prevention efforts.
“Let us commit to being part of the solution and work toward a future where violence is no longer their reality,” he said.
Rave TV Chief Executive Officer, Agatha Amata, urged girls to focus on self-worth, independence and personal vision.
“A woman’s value is not defined by relationships but by self-respect, purpose and confidence.
“You are exceptional, beautiful and capable of achieving anything you set your mind to,” Amata said.
NAN
