REP ATU, HEROIN WOMEN, NAPTIP, ADVOCATE FOR WOMEN’S EQUALITY, END TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, HUMAN TRAFFICKING

*As the word celebrates International Women’s Equality Day

Member Representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu has commended the efforts of the National Agency for the prohibition of trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Heroin Women Foundation and other organisations who have stood for the collective rights of girls and women. Hon Atu issued the commendation yesterday in Enugu at sensitization workshop organized by his office in collaboration with Heroin Women Foundation to mark this year’s international Women’s Equality Day.

Addressing over hundred women who gather for the workshop, Atu argued that every woman deserves a seat on the table and efforts must be made to protect girls, women and young boys from every type of exploitation and violence. “As a people, we have a duty to give equal opportunities to both women and men. Let me be honest with you, women are better at caring for everyone than men. Let us not see them as competitors but as partners,” Atu said.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of Heroin Women Foundation and President Women Support Women International, Amb. Onyinye Mamah, explained why every woman should be mindful and conscious of how they treat and handle children who are not theirs. She furthered explained that the workshop was majorly to enlighten women on how to handle their children at home. In her words, “women should be watchful of their kids at home. The world is moving towards another dimension and these kids should be protected from whatever harm the generation might bring”. Amb.Onyinye Mamah concluded by giving Hon.Chimaobi Sam Atu his flowers, whom she referred to as “HE FOR SHE”. Amb. Mamah also said she was happy about Hon. Atu’s intentionality and mindfulness towards women affairs.

Earlier in the workshop, Mrs. Ola Judith Chinyere Representing Zonal commander of NAPTIP, Mr Sam Offiah said many women were endangered in various homes and called for collective actions. Mrs Ola further explained that “we are here to talk of human trafficking and gender base violence. The research conducted in the whole of South Eastern zone, shows that most women are victims of gender base violence. Some of them suffer domestic, some suffer maltreatment. Some of the women are also perpetrators and at the same time victims of gender base violence and human trafficking”. She also added that every woman should be on guard to stop gender based violence to the barest minimum and report any form of violence against kids around them.
Reacting to some of the discussions, the CEO of SAZODO Engineering Services, Engr. onyeka Azodo said the world must take actions to end domestic violence and human trafficking. He added that his company was ready to partner with relevant stakeholders to protect the rights of girls and women as part of its corporate social responsibility. Before leaving the workshop, Engr Azodo made a donation to support the sensitisation workshop.

Some of the attendees, expressed their gratitude to Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu and his partners for their collective efforts in organizing such an Eye-opening workshop.