ABUJA – First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, on Tuesday, called for more collective efforts to end violence against females as the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The call is contained in a statement signed by the first lady’s Media Assistant, Mr Ayo Adewuyi in Abuja.
The first lady stressed the need for political leaders, international organisations, NGOs and individuals to strengthen their support against all forms of violence against women in communities.
She said violence against women was the most pervasive of all human rights violations that devastated lives, fractured communities, stalled development and peaceful co-existence.
She expressed concern over the effects of practices such as verbal abuse, forced marriage and marital rape, adding that “such acts are devastating and give cause for worry.’’
Jonathan listed other ill practices as sexual harassment and intimidation at workplaces and educational institutions, forced pregnancy, forced abortion, forced prostitution and female trafficking.
She said it was important for all who were genuinely concerned about the well-being of women to find a common platform to address the issues of violence against women and its negative impact on the society.
The first lady reiterated the call for peaceful coexistence among people and stressed the need to continue to promote the virtues of peace in the country.
She called for constructive dialogue on national issues, adding that no meaningful development could take place in an insecure atmosphere.
The UN General Assembly, through resolution 54/134 of Dec. 17, 1999, designated Nov. 25 as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The aim of the Day is to raise public awareness on maltreatment of women globally. (NAN)
First Lady calls for more inclusive effort to end violence against women
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