The women of Anambra State took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration on Thursday to protest the brutal killing of Mrs. Blessing Nwaka, a victim of domestic violence who was burnt to death by her husband. Their protest was not just a display of grief but a bold statement against the escalating violence women face in society in order to demand justice for the victim to ensure that such a heinous crime does not recur. They emphasized that their actions were meant to send a strong message to men in the state that violence against women would no longer be tolerated.
The protest saw women from all 179 communities in Anambra State coming together in solidarity. They converged at the Women Development Centre in Awka, where they marched to the office of the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo. Singing songs of lamentation and protest, the women expressed their collective anger and sadness over the incident. The march included representatives from various women’s associations, including the Women’s Wing of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU). The unity of these women highlighted the gravity of the situation and underscored their determination to seek justice.
Mrs. Blessing Nwaka was reportedly set ablaze by her husband, identified as Obiozor, who accused her of infidelity. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she succumbed to the severe burns she sustained in the attack. The tragedy has sparked widespread condemnation, with the women insisting that no excuse could justify such a barbaric act. They reiterated the need for men to handle marital disputes with patience, love, and dialogue, rather than resorting to violence. Their chants of "Marriage is not a do-or-die affair" and "Stop killing women" echoed their demand for an end to spousal violence.
Leading the protest, the National President of ASATU Women Wing, Mrs. Ify Okaro, admonished men to treat their wives with respect and care. She emphasized that love should be the foundation of any marriage and cautioned against actions that could lead to violence or loss of life. Similarly, Mrs. Josine Unachukwu, a representative of the Women Leaders from various communities, issued a stern warning, threatening to burn down the houses of any man who kills his spouse in the future. These declarations underscored the women’s resolve to take proactive steps in protecting their fellow women and deterring potential offenders.
In response to the protest, Mrs. Ify Obinabo assured the women that the state government was committed to pursuing justice for the late Blessing Nwaka. She revealed that the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, had taken a personal interest in the case and pledged to ensure that the full weight of the law would be applied. The Commissioner also urged men to seek help from the ministry if they faced challenges in their marriages instead of resorting to violence. She reminded the public that marriage should be a partnership rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
The visibly angry protesters made it clear that they were not only mourning Blessing Nwaka but also fighting to prevent similar tragedies. Their actions represented a clarion call to the government, law enforcement, and society at large to address the issue of domestic violence with urgency. The protest served as a reminder that violence against women is a societal problem that demands collective action and accountability. By taking to the streets, the women of Anambra State demonstrated their resolve to protect themselves and their daughters from the scourge of domestic violence and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
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