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Uzodimma Backs Anti-GBV Campaign, Pledges Support For Women’s Empowerment
The governor also expressed support for efforts to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, describing women as critical partners in the state's development.
A file photo of Governor Hope Uzodimma
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting women’s welfare and economic empowerment, pledging sustained support for initiatives aimed at ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and improving the wellbeing of women and families across the state.
The governor also expressed support for efforts to eradicate all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence, describing women as critical partners in the state’s development.
Uzodimma gave the assurance at the Government House in Owerri while receiving members of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum, who were on a courtesy visit in collaboration with the Ford Foundation.
He commended the forum for championing programmes that promote gender equality, family welfare and community development, stressing that advancing women’s rights and social development requires stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, donor agencies, foundations and community-based organisations.
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“We are beneficiaries of every effort aimed at improving the lives of women and families. The Imo State Government will continue to support initiatives that promote their welfare,” the governor said.
He urged development partners to deepen collaboration with state governments, noting that only collective action could deliver sustainable programmes capable of transforming communities.
Earlier, the wife of the governor and leader of the delegation, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, called for stronger political commitment to tackling Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, describing the menace as a major impediment to development, good governance and economic growth.
Speaking during the state-level advocacy engagement organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum in partnership with the Ford Foundation, she urged the Imo State Government to begin the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy.
According to her, improving women’s economic opportunities would reduce their vulnerability to violence while strengthening families and communities.
She acknowledged the declaration of a state of emergency on Gender-Based Violence by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in 2020 but maintained that policy declarations must be matched with implementation, enforcement and sustained investment.
“Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is not only a social issue; it is a development challenge, a governance issue and a silent economic drain on our states,” she said.
Barr. Uzodimma appealed to the governor to direct the relevant ministry to commence the domestication of the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy.
She also urged the state government to increase funding for survivor support services, strengthen enforcement of existing laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act, and support community-led initiatives aimed at addressing harmful cultural and social practices that fuel violence against women and girls.
The advocacy visit formed part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum and the Ford Foundation to mobilise political support for policies and programmes that promote women’s economic empowerment, protect the rights of women and girls, and strengthen institutional responses to gender-based violence across the country.
