The Zonta Club has called for an end to all forms of violence against women and the girl-child in Nigeria.
Mrs Temitayo Alabi, the President of Zonta Club I, made the call on Monday in Ibadan at an event commemorating the 2022 United Nations Day.
National Daily reports that Zonta Club, with its Head office in Chicago, U.S, focusses on Women and Girl-Child issues.
Alabi said that commemorating the United Nations Day was to also celebrate the lofty achievements of the United Nations in promoting peace in the world.
She said that United Nations had been in partnership with Zonta International Club Chicago Head office.
“We have been partnering with the UN in the last 75 years and we have done a lot of world-wide projects with them in educating girls and enhancing women.
“Our theme is: “Improving The Lives of Girls and Women.”
According to her, to be able to have well meaning people, we need to come together and realise that there are challenges.
“To improve the lives of girls and women in the society, we need to have well meaning-like-minded people come together to address issues pertaining to girls and women.
“This is not only because of the economic conditions that we are facing today, but in general.
“That is why Zonta is against gender-based violence, violence against women, early child marriages, forced sexual activities and all kinds of ills in the society that are perpetrated against women,” Alabi said.
She underscored the importance of having like minded people like Zonta Club, come together to sensitise the populace and do projects to enhance the lives of the girls and women.
Earlier, Dr Olufunmi Adegbile, the President, Zonta Ibadan Club II, said the club had been passionate about the welfare of women and children, particularly the girl-child.
Adegbile said: “On the celebration of the United Nations Day, we appreciate this institution and its enduring commitment to promoting peace and protecting human rights as well as friendly understanding and mutual recognition among nations.
“Today is about diversity, that is why we are clad in different regalia. Though, we are from different areas, United Nations promotes peace, cordiality and harmony.
“In Zonta, we believe in that too and that is why we have committed so much to the United Nations.
“We give to the UN, committing the money to human rights, good and quality of life to women and children in the suburbs all over the world.
“To create a better world for women and children, we need to support them.
“We are not feminist, but we are saying if women and children, especially the girl-child is well taken care of, it will promote a better family, a better nation and a better world.
“To achieve that, more attention must be given to the girl-child. Ensure that she is not molested, raped or denied education as being done in some parts of the world.”
According to her, there should be no violence against women
“We are saying stop to wife’s beating, stop the girl-bride and violence generally against women,” Adegbile said.
