The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) are executing The Spotlight Initiative project, a multi-year initiative which is aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls globally.
This was disclosed by Josephine Effa- Chukwuma, Executive Director, Project Alert during the pre-commencement workshop of the project which is being implemented by Project Alert.
Giving details about the project, she said “Violence against women and girls as we all know is beyond boundaries, cutting across tribe, religion, education, social status etc.”
“The initiative gives prominence to prevention, protection, and provision of services alongside broader efforts to ensure women’s empowerment.
“The Spotlight Initiative though responding to all forms of violence against women and girls, is focusing particularly on domestic violence; sexual and gender-based violence, and harmful traditional practices”, she added.
She disclosed that the UN agencies involved are; UNWomen, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNDP.
On her part, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Co-ordinator, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT explained that lack of sexual satisfaction and financial dependence play a big role in Domestic Violence.
She also stressed that, “Society plays lip service to SGBV. When it’s close to home, people respond differently.”
She urged people at the community level to always report any form of abuse and violence against women so that it can be nipped in the bud.
During his presentation, Chukwunonso Ibegwam, Project Officer, African Center for Learning, Strategy and Development and Co-founder ATLAS Initiative said it is important that men join the campaign to end violence against women.
He explain that, “many women want men to step up and take a stand against violence. Also, most men do not agree with men’s violence, yet they do nothing to challenge or stop it. These men need to be mobilized to prevent violence.
“Some men are already working to prevent violence but lack support, many more would like to get involved, but don’t know how. Men commit most of the violence against women. So it is up to them to stop it-take responsibility”, he added.