WIMBIZ denounces sex attack at Delta event, advocates for gender equality legislation

The recent sexual assault of women and girls during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State, has been strongly condemned by Women in Management, Business and Public Service, who deem the incident unacceptable and a reflection of deeper societal issues.

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In a statement made available on Sunday, the organisation expressed its outrage over the attacks, which it believes highlight the urgent need to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of women at all times.

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WIMBIZ stated that the violent attacks on women and girls in Delta State during the Ozoro festival are unacceptable and underscore the need for collective action to safeguard women's rights.

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The group noted that the incident is not an isolated case, but rather a symptom of broader cultural and structural challenges that exist across communities nationwide, emphasizing that ending violence against women requires a collective responsibility.

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WIMBIZ has called on the government, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organisations to collaborate and ensure that women can live and participate freely without fear of violence.

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The organisation has also backed calls for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the attacks, while stressing the need for sustained advocacy and monitoring to prevent such incidents in the future.

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WIMBIZ acknowledged the government's call for the swift arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators and pledged to continue monitoring developments and advocating for justice and accountability.

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Beyond immediate justice, the organisation emphasized the importance of long-term legal and structural reforms, particularly the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill by the National Assembly.

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WIMBIZ believes that legal frameworks like the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill are critical to institutionalising protections, defining penalties, and shifting societal norms toward zero tolerance for gender-based violence.

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The organisation warned against cultural or social practices being used to justify abuse, stating that cultural or social settings must never become grounds for abuse and that decisive action with zero tolerance for violence must be the standard.

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WIMBIZ reaffirmed its support for victims, pledging continued advocacy for justice and systemic change, and stating that it stands in solidarity with all affected women and girls.

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The organisation will continue to advocate relentlessly for justice, accountability, and systemic change, according to its statement.

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The incident, which occurred on March 19 during an annual festival in Ozoro, sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns over cultural practices that may enable violence against women, with viral videos showing groups of men assaulting women in public.