OWERRI — Alliances for Africa (AfA), a human rights and gender advocacy organisation, has commended Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for his commitment to support campaigns against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), while urging the state government to take immediate steps to implement existing laws aimed at protecting women and girls.
The organisation, in a statement issued on Thursday, described the Governor’s pledge, made on July 1, 2026, as a positive development that reflects the government’s interest in addressing violence against women and girls in the state.
AfA said the commitment should be followed by practical measures that will strengthen institutions responsible for preventing violence and supporting survivors.
According to the organisation, it has spent several years working with communities, traditional institutions, government agencies, young people and other stakeholders to promote the rights of women and girls in Imo State. It noted that its interventions have focused on supporting survivors of abuse, improving institutional responses and addressing harmful cultural practices.
The organisation said its programmes tackle issues such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Gender-Based Violence and sexual harassment in tertiary institutions, which continue to affect the safety, health, education and livelihoods of many women and girls.
AfA called on Governor Uzodinma to operationalise the Imo State Agency for the Prohibition of Violence Against Persons, as provided under Section 55 of the Imo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
It explained that the agency is expected to coordinate the implementation of the law, provide support and referral services for survivors, monitor compliance, investigate violations and work with relevant authorities to facilitate the prosecution of offenders. The agency would also coordinate collaboration among government ministries, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in tackling violence.
The organisation said establishing the agency would demonstrate the state’s commitment to implementing the provisions of the law and improving protection for women, girls, children and other vulnerable persons.
AfA also acknowledged the efforts of the First Lady of Imo State, Barrister Chioma Uzodinma, for her advocacy on issues affecting women and girls. It credited her with promoting conversations on gender equality and speaking against harmful practices.
The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to work with the Imo State Government, development partners and civil society groups to strengthen systems that prevent violence, support survivors and improve access to justice.
AfA is a human rights, peace and sustainable development organisation that promotes gender equality, human rights and social justice through partnerships and community-based initiatives.
