Chinedum Treasure
A Non Governmental Organisation, Soroptimist International has called for sustainance of intervention measures targeted at ending all forms of violence against women and girls.
The group made the call during a sensitisation campaign and celebration of Mass with children at the Good Shepherd Chapel, Retreat Centre, Okpuno.
During the event, placards with different inscriptions were displayed by the women including, “Say no to gender based violence, Stop violence against women and girls, Join in the war against child abuse, protect the girl child, Fight violence with Soroptimist international among others.
Presenting assorted items including Sanitary Pads and Cartons of Biscuits to children during the Mass, President of Soroptimist, Awka Chapter, Lady Chinwe Ekwealor, stated their resolve to stamp out violence against women.
She called for greater awareness in the fight against the menace, warning that they would take up cases of identified violence against the girl child to any level.
“We have also come to start early to sensitise the children and to tell them the need not to indulge in violence against women and girls.
“To let them know the need to always dialogue instead of violence against their sisters so that they can grow with it”
During the sermon, Rev Fr Chimaobi Okoye admonished the children to shun all forms of negative indulgences and strive to be God’s ambassadors by preparing His ways at all times.
Underscoring the importance of making Our Lord’s path straight by living Godly especially through character, Okoye urged the children to play their role in propagating the gospel for a better society.
Some members of the group including its President Elect, Lady Juliet Ibekwe and Lady Jennifer Ezeugwu, encouraged the children to always report cases of violence, bullying, molestation and discrimination against the girl child for prompt action.
They affirmed their commitment to effect positive changes in the level of violence and discrimination girls go through in the society and to fight behavioural patterns that promote relegation of women in the scheme of things.
According to Ezeugwu, the sensitisation campaign is part of activities marking International Day For The Elimination of Violence Against Women.
She emphasized that Soroptimist international was formed to fight against violence against women and girls and to assist the less privileged overcome their challenges.
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