The paramount ruler of Obanliku LGA of the state, HRH Amos Uyumulam, has been recognised as champion to end all forms of violence against women.
The event took place in Calabar during the launch of the HeForShe Initiative which is under the Spotlight Initiative.
The Spotlight Initiative is a joint EU-UN multi-year programme to eliminate all forms of violence against women.
The initiative is also a solidarity movement for gender equality developed by UN Women to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change in the effort to achieve gender equality.
The paramount Ruler of Obanliku pledged to end all forms of violence against women and children within his locality, especially the practice of Money Woman, which is marrying off under-aged girls to defray parents’ indebtedness.
According to him, the negative practices against women have been abolished in Obanliku and they are compiling a data of all those that have been affected by the practice over the years.
He said they have been able to sensitise the Becheve community where the practice was common and broke down traditional resistance against its discontinuance.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative, Gov Ayade said, “The greatest violence against women remains unnoticed and has even assumed a legally acceptable status. Today, women suffer severe consequences of all forms of family planning.
“We must stand up against family planning that targets women. Africa should review the age old traditions that target women and the United Nations must capture the concerns of the African woman”, Ayade, who was also recognised as a champion, said.
Lansana Wonneh, the Deputy Country Representative of UN Women said the organisation was created 10 years ago by world leaders to make the world a just place for all.
