By Precious D Freeman
The West Point Women’s For Developmental Organization (WPWHDO) over the weekend climaxed the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence.
The program which was held at West-Point brought together several community members and other partners including the Make Action Group which was established by WPWHDO, involving drama, cultural dance among others.
The program is being sponsored by Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation, under the theme: Give Women Equal Opportunity, with the Global theme: “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now!”
Speaking at the occasion, the Executive Director for WPWHDO, Nelly Cooper mentioned that there is need for women to be given equal rights with men and they should not be stopped from going to school, going to work and going to sell.
According to her, women are needed to be respected in the society and the violence against women should stop in order for women to be helpful in the nation.
Madam Cooper mentioned that violence against women is a threat to sustainable peace and the rights of women should be prioritized at all cost.
For his part the Male Action Group leader, Josiah Seton Toe added that with the support of men he believes that there can be end to violence against women in the world.
Mr. Toe explained that there is need to create awareness on violence mostly against women in the various communities, so that those that are ignorant to it can know.
“I want to use this time and opportunity to advise all men to desist from the habit of rape because it causes danger to the lives of our sisters, mother, aunties and daughters,” he said.
He stated further that before having sexual intercourse with a lady, a man must make sure she agrees to it, so that violence can end against women and girls in the society.
The 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls, runs every year from November 25 to December 10 in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Human Rights Day.
The event was initiated in 1991 by the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute held by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) at Rutgers University and since then every year from November 25 to December 10; this event is being celebrated all around the world.