VIDEO: FIRST LADY OF IMO STATE, H.E. BARR. CHIOMA UZODIMMA LEADS 16-DAY ACTIVISM CAMPAIGN AGAINST GBV, ADVOCATING FOR THE USE OF THE VAPP ACT TO ENSURE JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS

The 16-Day Activism campaign against gender-based violence in Imo State commenced on November 26, 2024, with a Walk to raise awareness about the dangers of sexual and gender-based violence and to promote the use of the Violence Against Persons (VAPP) Act in prosecuting perpetrators.

The walk, which started from Freedom Square (Warehouse Roundabout) to the Imo State Police Command, was led by the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu UNJP, who represented me. Addressing the group, I urged the Commissioner of Police and security personnel to prioritize prosecuting GBV and sexual offenses under the VAPP Act for quicker justice, instead of the regular criminal code. I also called for continued awareness efforts to protect Imo women and girls from victimization, emphasizing Imo State's zero-tolerance policy on violence against women, including FGM and sexual abuse.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, expressed gratitude for the visit and the campaign. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with My Office, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Justice, civil society organizations, and other security agencies to vigorously prosecute GBV cases. Other speakers also emphasized the importance of filing cases under the VAPP Act, establishing a VAPP agency, and creating a dedicated VAPP court.

I sincerely appreciate everyone who contributed to the success of the 16-Day Activism Walk as we strengthen our commitment to eradicating or reducing gender-based violence in Imo State. My gratitude extends to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Imo State Government appointees, former legislators and their spouses, beauty queens, special citizens, members of the Human Rights Commission, the Imo State Committee on Ending Violence Against Women, NAPTIP, Alliances for Africa, Forward Africa, CLEEN Foundation, NAWOJ, POWA, FIDA, various women's groups, and many other dedicated partners.

#16-DayofActivism #EndGBVHarmfuSocialNorm #NoToGenderViolence

#chiomauzodimma

H.E. Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Flourish Foundation
and Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative.