The Family Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) Chair, Ruth Kissam and Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) Executive Officer Wallis Yakam, are pushing for women and girls across the nation to celebrate independence while reflecting on the struggles and achievements within the 50 years.
Chair Kissam and Executive Officer Yakam stressed this in a joint statement from the CIMC Office on Friday 28th February. Kissam stressed that despite the challenges, progress has been made in politics, education, and leadership, but violence against women continues to undermine these gains.
“Women should be stepping forward to celebrate 50 years because of the achievements, including women in politics, women in male-dominated workspaces, becoming directors and sitting in boardrooms, and more girls in schools,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that violence against women has stalled these advancements, emphasizing the need to fix law and order. She stated that reports of sexual harassment, domestic violence, and attacks on women remain a concern.
“Displaced women and children in tribal fights, climate change crises, and domestic violence continue to increase annually,” she noted.
She also expressed concern for future generations, saying, “I feel like I am putting my future daughters in a place where there is more violence for them.”
CIMC Executive Officer Wallis Yakam stressed the urgency of addressing lawlessness.
“Streets are no longer safe for women to walk freely, and more efforts are needed from the government for peaceful communities,” she stated.
Both leaders concluded by urging for stronger law enforcement and community accountability to ensure justice for victims.
“It starts from every citizen to play their part in eliminating GBV as we tell our stories for the next 50 years,” Kissam urged.