By Joy Umo
The Cross River State Government has flagged off the 2025 edition of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a renewed commitment to end digital and physical violence against women and girls.
Speaking during a media briefing organised by UN Women in Akamkpa on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Edema Irom, said this year’s theme, Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls, highlights the growing threats facing young women in online spaces.
Irom applauded UN Women for their longstanding support to the state, noting that the organisation has strengthened institutional responses to gender-based violence, especially in rural communities where harmful practices remain prevalent. She said their collaborative efforts have helped communities develop and adopt protective guidelines against early marriage, widowhood rites, female disinheritance and other discriminatory practices.
Describing gender-based violence as a public health crisis and a development challenge, the commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to prevention, stronger enforcement of existing laws and support for survivors. She said the government will continue to work with UN Women and other partners to intensify advocacy, community sensitisation and institutional reforms.
Irom further disclosed that the ministry is scaling up economic empowerment programmes for women, stressing that financial independence is a critical safeguard against abuse. She added that partnerships with traditional rulers, faith-based groups and civil society organisations will be expanded to promote behavioural change and sustain recent gains.
According to her, the choice of Akamkpa for the briefing is significant, as the community recently drafted and implemented its own anti-GBV guidelines with the guidance of UN Women.
As the 16-day global campaign begins, she urged stakeholders, communities and residents of the state to play active roles in protecting women and girls from physical, emotional and digital abuse, noting that “every voice counts and every action matters.”
Community leaders who spoke during an interactive session lauded UN Women for deliberate efforts aimed at addressing cultural and religious practices inimical to the well-being and dignity of vulnerable groups, especially women and girls.