By Enefiok Imoh
Efforts by government, civil society groups and concerned individuals to stop gender-based violence in Akwa Ibom weekend got a boost when Mrs Eme Atakpo presented her book, Beyond the Poise, to the public.
The official presentation of the novel, which is a story of requisite love, intrigues and self-discovery, took place at the Patience Umo Eno Auditorium at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre, Informaiton Drive, Uyo and drew people from all walks of life.
Speaking at the ceremony, the author stated that the harsh reality of domestic violence and rape in the society had weighed heavily on her and served as the driving force behind the book.
Eme, who is a media practitioner and philanthropist, said she wrote the book to help shed light on the dark issues of silenced voices, bruised faces and broken hearts prevalent in the society, with the aim of amplifying the whispers of victims and igniting a wave of change.
She emphasised that Beyond the Poise is more than just a novel but a call to action, a plea for change and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The author urged government and policy makers to take a stand, institute more policies against domestic violence and rape, provide more support, and create more resources to protect the vulnerable.
To survivors of gender-based violence, she urged them to know that their voice matters, their story is valid and their pain is real and she has joined forces with like minds to break the silence, to speak out and to demand justice.
She appreciated the coalition of NGOs Against Gender-Based Violence in the state anchored by the Office of the First Lady, with Barrister Emem Ette of the Ministry of Justice as the executive secretary, for their undaunting efforts in fighting the menace in the state.
She announced that part of the proceeds from the book launch would be used to support survivors of domestic violence, victims of rape and the needy, charging all to work together to create a society where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.
Also speaking, the First Lady Designate and Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady in Akwa Ibom, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, said that true leadership lies in lifting the vulnerable and that a collective effort is required to fights against gender-based violence.
Obareki who was also the Mother of the Day at the occasion maintained that perpetrators of gender-based violence should have no hiding place under the law while survivors should have access to support, and urged them to speak out without fear and stigmatization.
She assured victims that they are not alone as government and concerned groups are with them to take urgent action when necessary.
Lady Obareki appealed to all to intensify efforts in addressing domestic violence as it is real and silence is not enough.
Earlier in her speech, the chairman on the occasion, Professor Enobong Ikpeme, applauded Eme Atakpo for her ingenuity for writing a book on domestic violence, saying that information in the novel was vital in todays society.
Ikpeme, who is the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) in the University of Uyo, also welcomed all to the book launch.
Speaking while reviewing the book, the founder of Uyo Book Club, Dr Udeme Nana, said the book is worth sharing with others as it is a story of friendship with an experience which exposes one of the ills of the society.
Nana, who spoke through Mrs Esther Bassey Attih, regretted that in Africa, a womans worth is in producing children, especially male children, while they have no voice in family or community issues.
Attih warned that women who hide their problems are taking themselves towards destruction and to reverse the trend, every woman must have a visible means of livelihood and not depend solely on a man for her livelihood.
She also stressed the need for support for victims of gender-based violence, adding that Beyond the Poise is a documentary roadmap to freedom from gender-based violence.
Goodwill messages were received from groups and individuals including the president of Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Most Reverend Christian Ekong; Okobo Development Union, Okobo Women Association and Ibom Jewels.
Others were wives of local government councils in Akwa Ibom and a former head of civil service, Elder Effiong Essien, among others.
Major highlights of the ceremony included the official unveiling and presentation of the novel by Archbishop Christian Ekong, reading of the authors biography by Dr Eno-Obong Akpan, a playlet on the theme of the book, spoken word by Seraphina as well as launching and selling of the book.
