Addressing gender-based violence

THE National Capital District Commission is taking a step to reach the home and work place in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in the city, Governor Powes Parkop says.
The announcement came at the launch of the NCDC staff code of conduct information session and signing of the pledge on Wednesday.
The launch coincided with the signing of a letter of agreement between NCDC and United Nations Population Fund Agencies (UNPFA).
Parkop and city manager Bernard Kipit led the way in “walking the talk” under the NCD GBV strategies.
The duo took an oath each by signing the pledge to champion a city free of GBV.
More than 770 NCDC workers will follow suit after undergoing an eight-day staff code of conduct information session.
The human resource division and the family sexual violence actions committee will conduct the information session.
That means, NCDC will start to implement “one strike, you are out” policy on GBV at home and the work place.
“This step was to be taken long time ago by all the Government departments, but we are taking it now after 45 years,” Parkop said.
“We are taking the lead.
“Our women and girls are the pillars of strength.
“It is time for city hall to take the initiative in the fight to eliminate all forms of violence in the city.
“Our national goal in the constitution calls for equal participation of all citizens, men women and children.
“If all our women and girls of our country are walking freely in the streets, then we are done.
“We are making the commitment for us, not just as governor and city manager, but we are doing it for ourselves.
“We are thinking about our own female children and relatives.”