By Chris Woo
Oyam Woman MP Santa Alum Ogwang has urged parents to end child marriage amid rising violence against women. She made this appeal during the belated Women’s Day celebration for Loro Town Council, held at Loro Health Centre III recently. Alum highlighted pressing issues in Oyam, including the rise in child marriages, school dropouts and violence against women, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Christ Ongom, Vice Chairperson LC5 of Oyam District and Alum’s political assistant, commended her unwavering support for women, acknowledging her contributions such as facilitating Women’s Day celebrations and donating two ambulances to benefit the people of Oyam.
Atim Vicky Oyite, the female LC5 councillor representing Loro Sub County and Loro Town Council, expressed gratitude to women for their dedication to their families, encouraging them to maintain humility and foster peace by respecting their husbands. However, she also raised concerns about husbands withholding intimacy from their wives, which she linked to gender-based violence.
Joan Aceng, Senior Principal Community Development Officer of Loro Town Council, confirmed an increase in violence against women in the area, revealing that her office had already recorded over 80 cases this year. Aceng urged women to remain steadfast in ensuring their children receive an education to secure a better future.
Alice Teko, an elderly resident of Loro Town Council, attributed the high rates of violence against women to alcoholism among men, which she said has led many to neglect their responsibilities.