The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has called on women’s groups across the state to take a leading role in tackling gender-based violence (GBV), child abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of injustice affecting women, children, and vulnerable persons.Onyekesi made the call during a familiarisation visit to the office of the Anambra State Town Union Council Women Wing (ASTUCWW) in Awka on June 26. She stressed that protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and humiliation is a collective responsibility that requires active participation from women at the grassroots.The commissioner urged women to speak up whenever they witness abuse or injustice and to support young widows by resisting harmful traditional practices and all forms of stigmatisation.
As part of efforts to strengthen the council, Onyekesi announced plans to conduct statewide elections for ASTUCWW. She said the election would be conducted through a delegate system, with two representatives from each of the state’s 21 local government areas.According to her, a seven-member electoral committee has been constituted to oversee the exercise, with Dr. Catherine Obioji serving as chairperson, while three observers representing Anambra’s three senatorial districts will monitor the process.Speaking during the visit, the Akpu Community Women Leader and Orumba South Coordinator, Dr. Catherine Obioji, commended the commissioner for what she described as remarkable achievements within a short period in office.Obioji also raised concerns over alleged intimidation, harassment, and verbal abuse experienced by some women leaders during the previous administration, particularly in the conduct of community elections. S
he further alleged that some women were removed from government stipends without clear explanations.She also expressed concern over alleged financial demands imposed on women leaders in some communities during elections, including compulsory purchases of special wrapper materials and payments reportedly labelled as “PR” before electoral processes could proceed.Also speaking, the Secretary-General of ASTUCWW, Mrs. Njideka Anusi, appealed to the council’s leadership, particularly the national president, to ensure the commissioner remains actively involved in the council’s activities.Members of the council reaffirmed their support for the commissioner and pledged to work with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare in advancing the welfare, protection, and empowerment of women, children, and other vulnerable groups across Anambra State.
