A women leading group in Cross River State under the nomenclature ALL LADIES IN LEADERSHIP INTERNATIONAL yesterday embarked on a peaceful walk round the Metropolitan City of Calabar, Cross River State to register their displeasure on the rising reported incidences of rape in the State and the country at large.
The group noted that it became necessary for them to speak up against rape even as they recognize the efforts of other groups, individuals and organisations, observing that offenders who continue to violate their victim are not made to face justice.
Reacting the International President Rev. Glory Udoema said, “just last week, I got a call from a victim recounting her sad experience to me and I only but felt very bad for her”.
She also acknowledged the position of Government towards the fight for zero rape in Cross River State and further called on the legislators to expedite efforts in seeing that the bill sees the light of day.
“Let me specially appreciate His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade, our gender friendly Governor who has shown that women too have a place in the society and also use this opportunity to call on the House of Assembly to expedite the process of the bill so that it can see the light of day”
“Rapist are dangerous and we cannot allow them to continue in their acts freely without justice” – she added.
While stressing against certain views that dressing triggers the motives, she cited the instance of little children who have been defiled by these societal monsters.
“Dont tell me that dressing pushed you into rapping our girls. Allow our girls”, she emphasized.
Lending her voice to the call, was the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor On Communication And Advocacy Ms Beatrice Akpala who vehemently rebuked the acts questioning the integrity of those who engage or even support these acts stylishly.
Ms Akpala who was the spokesperson for the walk said it is important for women to speak up and cry out to scare these offenders off and she reiterated that we must have a rape free society where the girl Child can grow up in peace. She also called on all and sundry to lend their voices to advocate rape and inhuman molestations in our society. She further stated that whatsoever you reject changes and what you condone remains and as such rape must be combatted in all ramifications.
Highlights of the event featured a walk to the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation Television – CRBC, where the General Manager Mr Maurice Inok and the entire management team addressed their concerns and promised to partner with the group to promote a campaign broadcast through jingles against rape that would create the needed awareness against the vices.
Another point of call was to the Governor’s Office where the All Ladies In Leadership Group was addressed by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Tina Banku Agbor and also to the Office of the Commissioner For Women Affairs , Ministry Of Women Affairs Cross River State.
We are not safe until every woman is safe. The rape culture must be stopped. We must consciously take actions to get justice for all victims. We Must Speak up against this evil practice by demanding justice for victims…#WeMustSayNoToRape #RapeIsEvil #TheRapistMustPay #TheRapeCultureMustBeAbolishedFromOurSociety