BY CHIDI ABBAH#
Member representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Henry Nwawuba has organized a seminar for men and women in his constituency that kicked against Domestic violence.
The seminar is a reflection of the lawmaker’s commitment to stem the tide of domestic violence prevalent in the society. The event came barely few weeks Hon.Nwawuba had also organized a seminar that advocated peace among stakeholders in his federal constituency.
In his opening remarks at the event, Nwawuba said no man has the right to molest a woman. He described domestic violence as evil, stating that marriage should not serve as a cover to abuse. He urged victims of any form of abuse to speak out and condemn the act
“Domestic violence has taken a new twist, women themselves have become abusers and it is troubling”, he said.
According to him, as a United Nations Ambassador Against Domestic Violence, he would strive to sustain the programme assuring that youths will be carried along in subsequent seminars. He commended the participants for attending the event.
In her speech at the seminar tagged “ One Day Sensitization Campaign Against Domestic Violence For Sustained Peaceful Cohabitation”, a staff of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking of Persons, NAPTIP, Mrs Nwabugo Ann advised women to shun anything that can provoke men or their husbands to abuse them. She equally advised the men to love and tolerate their spouses for a better, peaceful and prosperous family.
She said “ A victim of domestic violence does not feel or mingle freely in public, be it physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological abuses. The effects of such violence mainly leads to stigmatization, neglect of the children which will in turn have a negative impact on the community”
She pointed out that no one is exempted from abuse as anyone, both male or female can fall victim. Mrs. Ann further stated that the negative consequences of violence and abuse can lead to fear, stigmatization, high rate of sexually transmitted diseases and poor intellectual output.
She advised women to always seek counseling as the way out, condemning the act of some women who easily resort to abusing their husbands.
Mrs Charity Nnamonu popularly called Ancient Queen advised wives to control their tongue, stating that some women have ugly attitudes which could lead to violence on them from men.
Chief (Mrs) Stella Mkuwudike, Imo State PDP Woman Leader, Maria Mbakwe and Ugoeze Ekwueme collectively stressed that every home is unique as there should be no basis for comparison. They commended Hon Nwawuba for organizing the seminar, urging women to practice what they are being thought at their homes and the society at large.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Sensitization programme, Mr. Emma Duru encouraged men present at the seminar to tolerate their spouses, stating that peace is priceless and makes the home to flourish. He described women as “carriers of life” stating that women should be pampered because of the huge role they play in the family.
The theme of the programme was “ No Excuse For Abuse”
