By Anu Smith
Zonta Clubs in Ibadan are seeking an end to all violence against women and girl-child as it joins the global community to observe the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that commenced on 25 Nov., the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Speaking at a news conference, Dr Olufunmi Adegbile, the President of Zonta Club II, said the group organised various sensitisation programmes at bus terminals and markets and used social media to raise awareness on the end of Gender-Based violence.
She noted that the clubs have been at the vanguard of issues affecting the self-esteem and worth of women and girls especially indigent women and female children.
Adegbile said the United Nations had put aside 16 days to advocate and fight the course of women and girl-child, which the group keyed into.
“Zonta now joins this course every year, we do more than necessary and we go all out to shout out that we are saying no discrimination against female gender, Wife Beating, Wife Neglect, Unwelcome Sexual Advances and Marital Rape.
“We say no to Female Genital Mutilation and Child Circumcision, Girl Child Labour, Girl Child Rape, Girl Child Hawking of Female Education, Early girl Child marriage/Child brides Forced Prostitution.
“Other things we say no to are Forced Abortion, Violence from law enforcement agencies, Gender inequality, Discrimination in employment and Widow Abuse,” Adegbile said.
She noted the involvement of the group in ensuring the implementation of favourable policies for women and girl-child as well as collaborations with relevant government agencies to address issues and provide help for victims of abuse.
Also, Olubisi Awosanya, Chairperson for United Nations Committee, District 18, Zonta International stated the various contributions of Zonta to global issues affecting women and girls.
She identified the marginalisation of women globally and the role of Zonta to ensure equitable fraction equality between men and women.
Awosanya said “Zonta international envision a world in which women’s rights are recognised as human rights.
“And in such a world, every woman must be literate because without education they won’t be able to make well-informed decisions.
“So we want every girl to at least is exposed to a minimal education. If they want to go far, let us encourage them,” she said.
Awosanya stated that the group has mentoring programmes for students in secondary schools called the ‘Z’ club and the ‘Golden Z’ club for girls at tertiary institutions to create a lasting impact and build a better future.
“Zonta is impacting the world through its activities, some of which include, rebuilding the lives of victims of abuse, helping them mentally, emotionally and financially to be self-reliant.
“Over 10 million dollars has been voted by the Zonta to end child marriage and we are glad that we are beginning to see a reduction in all the gender-based violence against women,” she said.
