By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Delta State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ has called for sustained advocacy and awareness creation on human rights violations to stem the ugly incidents of human rights violations against women and children and inhuman treatments that violates the dignity of the human person.
The Chairperson of the Delta State Chapter of NAWOJ, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, stated this during an awareness campaign in Warri as part of activities to commemorate this year’s “World Day of Social Justice” with the theme “Bridging Gaps, Building Alliance”.
This year’s celebration of the event by NAWOJ which was in collaboration with the Human Rights Protection Congress,
International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Warri branch and the Development Initiative for Community Impact, DICI, saw the group creating awareness and educating market women at the popular Polokor Market to raise awareness on human rights and key social issues that would promote social justice and peaceful coexistence in the society.
The Delta Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, emphasised the need for women and other traders to be aware of their rights and stand against social injustice through cooperation with relevant human rights activists and agencies, as well as the media so as to achieve a society of equity, fairness, while reiterating the need for them to be alert and speak out whenever their rights have been violated.
The National Secretary of Human Rights Protection Congress, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo, Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers, Mrs Ogechi Megbele, as well as a former Councillor in Warri South, Chief Linda Ikpuri, in their separate remarks, further stressed on the right of women, children and men alike, and made case for the protection of victims of rape, molestation and other gender based violence.
They also noted the present economic hardship which is taking its toll on women as they’re the worst hit and appealed for deliberate actions from members of the society to achieve social injustice for the female gender.
They appealed to mothers to prioritise the welfare of their children, warning against child labour and insisting that child education is a right and not a privilege.
During the sensitization, the various groups encouraged the public to report complaints, especially on human rights violations to the group so as to see that such issues are addressed appropriately.
February 20 every year was designated by the 63rd United nations General Assembly to mark World Day of Social Justice targeted at the economic emancipation of women in bridging the lacuna that exists, as well as championing a coordinated world approach in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals number 1, 2, 3, and 10 agenda by 2030 which seek for gender equality, ending poverty, ensuring healthy living, amongst others.
By this very direction, the goals would encourage women inclusivity, address gender based inequality, ensuring social justice which inturn would impact on the global Gross Domestic Product and huge returns to developing economies like Nigeria due to collaborations and impact of globalisation.