Akwa Ibom State Ranks Second in National Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

In the latest Womanity Index Report unveiled on December 4, 2023, Lagos State emerged as the top-performing state, with Akwa Ibom closely following as the second-best model in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

The report, presented by Invictus Africa and BudgIT Foundation in Abuja, employed a comprehensive approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection to evaluate states’ commitment to GBV prevention and response.

The assessment covered five critical indexes: Laws and Policies, Access to Legal Justice, Support Services, Information and Awareness, and Budget and Spending. Using a color-coded ranking system, Akwa Ibom State received accolades for its exemplary performance in several categories, particularly Laws and Policies, where it earned a “Blue” rating, signifying excellence.

Across the various indexes, Akwa Ibom’s rankings were as follows: Access to Legal Justice – Yellow (Fair), Support Services – Yellow (Fair), Information and Awareness – Green (Very Good), Budget and Spending – Green (Very Good), with an Overall Ranking of Green (Very Good). This places Akwa Ibom alongside other top-performing states such as Bauchi, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, FCT, Kaduna, and Ogun.

Despite the commendable progress made in GBV prevention and response since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Womanity Index Report highlighted existing gaps that demand attention. The report emphasizes the need for sustained efforts and improvements across all states, irrespective of their color-coded rankings.

The statement notes that Akwa Ibom State’s interest in GBV response and prevention intensified in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decisive role played by the former First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, and the Akwa Ibom State GBV Management Committee contributed significantly to the state’s positive trajectory in this regard.

While Akwa Ibom State is lauded for its accomplishments, the report underscores the importance of addressing the identified gaps. The state is urged to continue its efforts and take additional steps to excel further in the campaign against gender-based violence.