Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta has reiterated it’s commitment to ending Violence Against Women and Girls in the Niger Delta region.

In a statement issued to mark this year’s 16 days of activism, Tunji Idowu, Executive Director of PIND, said that Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) persists in the Niger Delta despite ongoing efforts by stakeholders.

Idowu noted that PIND’s peace map recorded at least 490 incidents of VAWG between 2015 and 2023.

According to Idowu, “This year alone, reported incidents include rape, witchcraft-related violence, domestic abuse, girl-child molestation and targeted ritual killings posing significant threats to human and women’s security with potential socio-economic and political repercussions.

“The Foundation for Partnerships Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND) has been at the forefront of addressing Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) in the Niger Delta, investing time and resources in collaboration with local organizations.

“For the 2023 commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism, PIND remains committed to continuing these efforts.”

He added that In line with the sub-theme for the commemoration this year, ‘Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women & Girls in the Niger Delta Region’, PIND is working with six female-headed organizations to conduct targeted awareness campaigns, skills acquisition, and capacity-building activities.

The organizations include the South-South Professional Women Association (SSPWA) in Edo State, the Women Empowerment Education and Peace Building Initiative (WEPBI) in Imo State and the Development Initiative for Community Impact (DICI) in Delta Stste, he said that others include the Women and Community Livelihood Foundation (WOCLIF) in Akwa Ibom State and the Betterliving Foundation and Capacity Development (BEFCAD) in Ondo State.

Idowu added that this year, PIND has included Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in all the activities and has engaged the Freky Andrew-Essien Care Foundation in Rivers State (PWD), which will collaborate with other PWD-focused organizations to address issues affecting them in line with the campaign theme.

He spoke further, “the initiative aims to mobilize collective actions to prevent Volence Against Women and Girls(VAWG), empower women and enhance the economic security and safety of PWDs.”

The 16 days of activism, which began on November 25, include some campaigns and activities by PIND’s partner organizations.(INDEPENDENT.NG)