In a powerful statement on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the Founder of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo (HLWNS), highlighted the escalating issue of violence against women and girls within Anambra State and beyond. “Violence Against Women and Girls remains a major growing threat facing our society today,” she declared, pointing out the stark reality of increasing statistics.
Mrs. Soludo, who combines her role as the First Lady of Anambra State with her advocacy work, emphasized the dire implications of this violence. “The numbers keep rising by the day, pointing boldly to our seeming inability to face the nightmare square on,” she remarked, stressing the urgency for societal change. Her words paint a picture of a community in crisis, where the safety and dignity of women and girls are under constant threat.
She argued for a fundamental shift in societal values, stating, “Women and girls deserve a fair share of value, respect, love, closure, and support.” This call to action is not just about stopping violence but about elevating the status of women in society to one of equality and respect. Mrs. Soludo’s message is in tune with the global movement for gender equality, highlighting how violence against one woman or girl can destabilize an entire community’s vision and stability.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, the Anambra State government, under her influence, has committed to addressing this issue head-on. “As a government, we understand that natural principle here in Anambra State,” she affirmed, indicating that the administration recognizes the intrinsic link between the safety of women and the health of society as a whole.
This commitment was further solidified with a promise to ensure the rights of women and girls are protected. “And we insist that every woman or girl child deserves the inalienable right to live without fear and succeed without limits,” Mrs. Soludo stated, advocating for an environment where every female can thrive without the shadow of violence looming over them.
On this international day, dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the eradication of violence against women, Mrs. Soludo reaffirmed Anambra State’s dedication to this cause. “As we join the global community to celebrate this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we reaffirm our core principles of building an enabling environment for every Anambra woman and girl to flourish beyond expectations,” she declared, showcasing a proactive stance against gender-based violence.
The First Lady’s speech was not just a moment of acknowledgment but a call to action. “No excuse!” she concluded, sending a clear message that the time for passive observation has passed; now is the time for action, both from individuals and from the state machinery.
Her words have sparked discussions across various platforms in Anambra, with many organizations and community leaders pledging their support to initiatives aimed at curbing violence against women and girls. This collective response indicates a growing consciousness and readiness to tackle the issue head-on.
Mrs. Soludo’s advocacy through HLWNS has been instrumental in bringing these issues to the forefront, providing education, support, and platforms for dialogue. Her work in this area is seen as part of a broader strategy to transform societal norms and practices that perpetuate violence.
As Anambra State moves forward, the commitment from its leadership, particularly from figures like Mrs. Nonye Soludo, sets a precedent for other states and regions in Nigeria, and indeed, globally, to follow. The fight against violence towards women and girls in Anambra is now a clear, prioritized agenda with the potential to inspire change far beyond its borders.