Cross River Commissioner Urges Abused Women To Speak Out

The Cross River State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Edema Irom, has urged women in Nigeria to speak out against oppression and amplify their voices to ensure that justice is served.

Speaking yesterday at a roundtable facilitated by Self Help Africa ahead of the International Women’s Day, which holds on Sunday, Irom emphasised the importance of women speaking out against oppression.

“Today, we gather not merely to celebrate women, but to reaffirm our collective duty to protect their rights, amplify their voices, and ensure that justice is not a privilege, but a guarantee,” she said.

The commissioner urged women not to be silent when oppressed by their spouses, but speak out and report such cases to the authorities. “Don’t be silent, speak out until justice is served,” she advised.

Irom advocated for policies that provide equal opportunities for women and girls, including access to quality education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and protection from violence. She emphasised the need for policymakers to initiate policies that promote equality.

The commissioner also called for the removal of barriers preventing women and girls from speaking up or seeking redress. She urged parents to give women unlimited access to land and economic assets, and shun harmful cultural practices.

A communiqué issued at the end of the discussion urged parents to remove barriers in accessing courts and legal support for women.

The communique signed by the committee chairman, Scholastica Ferox, called for increased representation of women in leadership and decision-making positions.

It highlighted the need to strengthen gender-responsive policies, support survivors of violence, and promote girls’ education and leadership development.

The communiqué urged the Women Affairs Ministry to expand economic empowerment initiatives for women.

In her closing remarks, Dorcas Kwamande, of self Help Africa, reiterated the importance of women speaking out against oppression and amplifying their voices. “It’s time for women to take their rightful place in society,” she said.