Group Head, Compliance, Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Patricia Ahunanya; Producer of BECKMA, Best Okoduwa; and Head, Communications and Brand Management, Mr. Matthew Obiazikwor at the premiere and screening of BECKMA movie at Ebony Life Cinema recently.
The Managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun
has called for comprehensive policy actions that will dismantle the
structures that enable gender-based violence in Nigeria.
At the Ebony Life Cinema, the venue of the film screening in Lagos, Unity
Bank supported the BECKMA movie premiere by ARDA Development Commuications
Inc. which was held to highlight issues of Gender-Based violence and
driving positive change in society.
Making the call, Somefun stated that the Bank committed to partnering with
the movie premiere and putting the power of the brand behind BECKMA as the
event brings sustainability and gender equality to the front burner.
Represented by Unity Bank’s Group Head of Compliance, Mrs. Patricia
Ahunanya, Somefun noted that “9 percent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered
sexual assault at least once in their lifetime and 31% had experienced
physical violence,” citing a recent study by UNDP in Nigeria.
Speaking further, Somefun said “Gender-based violence is not just a women’s
issue, but a societal ill that demands our collective attention. It is high
time for us to step forward and advocate for comprehensive policy actions
that will dismantle the structures allowing such atrocities to persist”.
She added, “I urge policymakers to enact stringent laws against
gender-based violence, ensuring swift and severe consequences for
perpetrators. Our homes and various organisations must also be a catalyst
for change, inspiring others to follow suit.”
While commending the ARDA Development Communications Inc. for their
initiatives to promote gender equality and empowerment in line with SDG5,
Somefun assured of the Bank’s commitment to sustainable initiatives and
further collaborative initiatives and advocacy programmes for the
elimination of gender-based violence.
