By Edem Ekpo
Cross River State, in partnership with UN Women, has stepped up its campaign against gender-based violence with the launch of this year’s 16 Days of Activism, focusing on communities where women and girls are most vulnerable.
The renewed push targets identified hotspots including cocoa plantations, transport corridors and riverine settlements, where limited access to social services and weak reporting structures have left many survivors without timely help. Officials say the intensified effort aims to raise awareness, mobilise local networks and strengthen protection systems across the state.
Speaking in Akamkpa during a media briefing, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Edema Irom, said the state will deepen community engagements through traditional rulers, women’s organisations and youth groups to encourage prompt reporting, challenge harmful practices and build a culture of accountability.
She noted that the collaboration with UN Women also seeks to enhance institutional capacity by equipping law enforcement, social workers and community responders to handle cases with speed and compassion.
The renewed activism comes against the backdrop of troubling statistics showing that Cross River recorded 800 cases of gender-based violence in the past 11 months, yet only five perpetrators have been convicted. The data underscores the magnitude of the challenge and the persistent gaps in investigation, prosecution and survivor support.
Officials attribute the low conviction rate to inadequate funding and logistical constraints, which hinder effective case management.
Advocacy groups and human-rights stakeholders are therefore calling for stronger political will, improved funding, enhanced survivor services and faster judicial processes to ensure justice is not delayed or denied.
Community leaders who spoke in Akamkpa commended the renewed commitment and called for closer collaboration and increased government funding to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence in the state.