Community leaders, youths and Elders of Etche Local Government Area in Rivers State have been called upon to stand firm against situations that brings discomfort to women and the girl child.‎‎
Speaking at a Violence Response Team Training against Sexual and Gender Based Violence organized by Non Governmental Organization, Healthy Life Development Initiative in Umuechem, Dr. Eunice Odum said negative acts against the girl child and women is also an act against the broader society.
‎‎”Anything that would affect the women or girl child negatively is not good for the society. When girls are sexually harassed, it affects not just their health, it also affects their emotional well-being. Being here as a response team, we all have job to do.”‎‎
Also Speaking at the Violence Response Team training Chief Hezekiah Nwamegbulem who spoke on behalf of Etche Traditional Council applauded the organizers for the timing of the training noting that the response action will be implemented by his people.
‎‎”I want to sincerely thank the organizers, those who have made this day a reality, We know this team will bring hope to our women and children. We pray that in future, all of us for what this team has brought to Etche Land.”
“The Coordinator of the Rivers State Response Team, Mr. Tombari Kote stated that customs and traditions are subject to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, He urged the Elders present to ensure that their customs do not go contrary to the provision of Nigerian Constitution.‎‎
“Any tradition, belief, practice that violates the fundamental rights of any individual, community, group or society and is contrary to the position of the constitution, in that case the Constitution becomes Supreme.”
‎‎‎In her remarks, The Coordinator of Healthy Life Development Initiative Dr. Mfon Utin thanked the Traditional leaders and people of Etche for providing an enabling environment for the training to be organized. She pointed out that Violence against women and the Girl Child should not be condone in any guise.‎as there are laws that prohibits them in Rivers State.‎
