The Government of Abia State has restated its commitment to stopping all forms of harmful cultural practices and gender-based violence affecting women and children across families and communities in the state.
The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Ahukwa, gave the assurance on Thursday in Umuahia during an event marking the 2026 FIDA Week, organised by the Abia branch of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria.
She said that creating a fair and safe society requires everyone to work together. Ahukwa also commended FIDA for its consistent efforts in offering legal assistance to women and protecting children from abuse across Nigeria.
She further called for stronger cooperation between the state government and FIDA to ensure that women and children in Abia live free from violence and in dignity.
Speaking at the event, Professor Marvel Onwuka of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, raised concerns about the negative impact of family conflicts and the mistreatment of women on children’s behaviour and academic performance.
He noted that in some cases, students in Nigerian universities feel unwilling to return home during holidays or after graduation due to unresolved disputes between their parents.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of FIDA in Abia State, Aniawonwa Njideka, urged authorities to ensure that laws protecting women and children are enforced quickly and without financial barriers. She also called for wider access to justice for victims of abuse.
Other speakers at the event emphasized the need for full implementation of existing laws to better protect vulnerable women and children across Abia State.
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