The wife of the Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, has called on women across the state to use this year’s Annual August Meeting to address the growing cases of abuse, neglect and maltreatment of domestic workers, particularly minors.
In a message marking the commencement of the 2026 August Meeting, Mrs Soludo urged women to broaden the traditional focus of the annual gathering beyond community development and social activities to include practical discussions on protecting vulnerable children and promoting responsible caregiving.
She described the increasing reports of physical assault, starvation, torture, emotional abuse and other forms of inhumane treatment of housemaids as a disturbing social challenge requiring urgent attention.
According to the governor’s wife, while the August Meeting has remained a vital platform for promoting community development, peace, family values and cultural heritage, it must also evolve to address emerging social issues affecting families and child development.
She stressed that no society can genuinely celebrate motherhood while ignoring the suffering of children entrusted to families for care and protection.
“The young girl who helps in your home is somebody’s daughter before she becomes your maid. She deserves dignity before duty, compassion before correction and protection before punishment. Violence can never be a tool for raising a child or managing a household,” she said.
Mrs Soludo reminded mothers of their responsibility to nurture and protect every child under their care, regardless of their background, adding that every child deserves love, respect and the opportunity to grow in a safe environment.
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She also urged women leaders, presidents-general of women’s associations, faith-based organisations and other community stakeholders to make child protection, responsible caregiving, conflict resolution and the rights of domestic workers key agenda items during this year’s August Meeting.
The First Lady further advocated the establishment of community-based mechanisms that would encourage early intervention, prompt reporting of abuse and adequate support for victims, rather than waiting to condemn incidents after they occur.
She warned that children raised in violent environments are more likely to view cruelty as normal, urging families to deliberately instil empathy, patience and respect for human dignity as core values for building a peaceful society.
Mrs Soludo expressed confidence that if communities unite to protect vulnerable children, uphold family values and reject all forms of domestic violence, the Annual August Meeting would become an even stronger platform for building safer homes, stronger communities and a more compassionate society.
The Annual August Meeting is one of the most significant socio-cultural gatherings of Igbo women, providing a platform for community development, family welfare, collective reflection and the promotion of values that strengthen society.
