The Bayelsa State chapter of International Federation Lawyers and National Democratic Institute on Thursday launched a campaign to stop violence against women in elections.
Mrs Dise Ogbise-Erhisere, FIDA's Chairperson in the state, stated during the launch of Stop Violence Against Women in Election (Stop-VAWIE) in Yenagoa, that women were at the receiving end of violence in politics.
She stated that the inclusion of women in decision making would engender more development in the country’s electoral processes.
Ogbise-Erhisere stated the launch became necessary in Bayelsa, especially now that the state is preparing for the governorship election.
She stated women lawyers had been at the forefront in ensuring that all violence against women and children were reduced before, during and after elections.
Ogbise-Erhisere said, “We, the lawyers, are committed to promoting and protecting the right, interest and well-being of women and children in Nigeria, especially Bayelsa.
“We are doing this because we want a just, peaceful and equitable Nigerian society, where women and children’s rights and interests are protected.
“Bayelsa FIDA is excited about launching this project (Stop-VAWIE) with NDI and other collaborating agencies; women’s right must be protected in the society.”
Also speaking, Mrs Ene Ede, Gender Advisor, Electoral Empowerment of Civil Society Project in Bayelsa, stated the launch was necessary in ensuring that violence against women was reduced in the society.
Ede, who represented the NDI Country Director, Jasper Veen, urged women to always stand to defend their rights, especially before, during and after elections.
“Here in Bayelsa, the election is around the corner; this is the time for us to do something about violence against women,” she stated.
Similarly, the Bayelsa Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, who was represented by Justice Doris Azokeme, commended the launching of the project in the state, stated that verbal violence against women should also stop.
“Using abusive language against women, like calling them prostitutes, is also part of the violence; we must do away with all sorts of violence in the society, including political violence,” Abiri stated.