In a continuous fight to end all forms of violence against women and child marriage, Zonta clubs in Ibadan have begun the 2023 annual 16-day activism to further drive home the dangers facing the girl-child and women in the society.
The campaign was kicked off on Saturday, 25th of November, 2023 with a sensitization walk at Dugbe and Mokola Round About, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, where some members of the club shared handbills and further discouraged the acts of violence.
Speaking to our correspondent, President of Zonta Club Ibadan 1, Zontan Temitayo Alabi said the awareness was necessary to educate residents on the dynamics of culture to help foster respect for women and girls in the society, and also ensure victims are advocated.
She highlighted Child marriage, lack of education for Children, wife battery, collection of bride price on children, and denying girls education as some of the ills facing women and children in the society, which Zonta fully stand against.
Also reacting, President of Zonta Club Ibadan 2, Dr. Olufunmi Adegbile explained that Zonta is working hand in hand with the United Nations to advocate against violence meted out on women and the girl-child.
According to Dr. Adegbile, Zonta has been able to inform women of their rights, legally help victims of violence and support pregnant teenagers.
She recounted that more victims have come out to seek help since the campaign carried out last year in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Dr. Adegbile also urged women to stand up for themselves by rejecting all forms of violence against them and also their children.
The campaign, which commenced on 25th of November, 2023 will run till the 10th of December, 2023 with visits to Ogunpa and Agbeni markets and other public places to create more awareness.