Abia governor’s wife says ‘conspiracy of silence’ hindering war against gender-based violence

Nkechi Ikpeazu, wife of Abi a State Governor and founder of Vicar Hope Foundation, her Pet project, has attributed “Conspiracy of silence” as one of the factors hindering war against Gender-based Violence in the society.

Ikpeazu stated this in Umuahia while flagging off the activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence and Media Campaign.

She disclosed that the event was promoted by the United Nation system and driven by civil society organisations all over the world, adding that it was an occasion used to highlight the fight to end sexual and gender-based violence, especially violence against women.

The President and founder of VHF noted that this year’s event took greater significance because of the attendant lockdown which revealed an alarming increase of violence against women globally.

“In Nigeria, there were almost 800 reported cases during the lockdown from April to June. When you consider the Nigerian factor, this figure becomes alarming because Nigerians do not often report GBV as they occur,” she said.

The Abia first lady regretted that there seemed to be a culture of silence which she said they were seeking to break.

“We are asking people who are victims to speak out. Those who are witnesses to such horrific actions should also speak out. It is only when we speak out and identify the issues that we can find solutions to it,” she said.

She further said that on 9th December, the group would hold a stakeholder workshop on VAPP Law to discuss how they could as a collective community, take important steps guided by law to reduce incidence of violence, sexual abuse, rape and harassment of people.