The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Tony Ojukwu, has said women deserve respect and violence-free life.

Mr. Ojukwu said this in a statement to commemorate International Women’s Day.

The IWD is a global day celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements and marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

“Women deserve an equal future free from stigma, stereotype. We cannot get to such a wonderful future except we have women on every table where crucial decisions that benefit every person regardless of place and creed are made.

“This year’s theme, ‘Choose to Challenge,’ is apt. We must all be ready to support the fight against inequality in all its ramifications and collectively help to create an inclusive world,” he added.

He noted that countries with a higher level of gender equality had higher economic growth and better protection for women’s rights, adding that women’s participation in peace and security work and women negotiators will increase the chances of sustainable peace.

He further acknowledged that sexual and gender-based violence impeded the country’s development.

“The panel, with the support of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, is currently sitting across the country to receive, hear and investigate complaints of SGBV and make appropriate determinations/recommendations from their findings.

“Also, the commission, with the support of CANNS (a non-governmental organisation), has developed a web application called ‘UNSUB’ App, where members of the public can report cases of SGBV for themselves or on behalf of others,” he said.