Women’s group walk against rape, drug abuse, others
ASOCIO-CULTURAL group for Isoko women, The Ideal Isoko Woman (TIIW), last week organised a sensitisation walk against rape, drug abuse, child molestation and other social vices. It used the opportunity to distribute flyers and held talks in selected palaces and other strategic locations to sensitise the general public in the two local government areas of Isoko, Delta State.
The maiden edition was held in collaboration with Isoko National Youth Assembly, Isoko Development Union, Women’s wing, and the two Isoko local councils’ chairmen. The convergence point of the walk was the Council Field, Isoko South Local Government Area, Oleh, Delta.
The aim of the sensitisation walk, according to the group’s founder, Mrs. Xino Arugba Monnitey, was to break the silence and take a firm stand against drug abuse and sexual violence by coming together and raising awareness, educating communities, especially those in the rural areas, about the negative effects of such abuses on victims.
She also pointed out the health implications of such abuses, the resources available in the aftermath of an assault and how to seek justice for victims. She said the walk was also aimed at encouraging victims of abuses to speak up for help, counseling and support.
According to Monnitey, “TIIW was conceived with the aim of creating a better and healthier Isoko for our generation and the future generation, especially the girl-child. In the past, we have had to reach out by organising seminars for school children on rape, sex and drug abuse, using e-posters as well as organising mentorship pro- grammes to curb the ugly trend ravaging our communities. This is a call to all concerned citizens to join hands and curb this menace.”
On March 9, the group collaborated both Local government chairmen and had former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, counsel students from different Isoko schools on drug abuse.