By Jethro Ibileke
Stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence converged in Benin City, Edo State, on Friday, to strategies ahead of the year 2023.
The one-day workshop with the theme: “Beyond 16 Days of Activism – 365 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence in Edo State,” was put together by the Edo State Ministry of Youth and Gender Issues and the German Organisation GIZ.
The State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee and other stakeholders at the workshop reaffirmed their resolve to form a collective and continuous effort in the fight against GBV throughout the year 2023.
Chairperson of the Committee and wife of the State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, reeled out recent programmes and policies of government which have further institutionalised the fight against gender-based violence in the state.
Amongst others the programmes include continuous media sensitization, the building of a new SARC Centre, Sports Advocacy Initiative (The Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament), the GBV advocacy film: “We Will Not Be Silent” and the quarterly Edo State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee review meetings that assesses the progress in the fight against GBV.
The Edo First Lady reaffirmed the resolve of the Committee to punish every offender, irrespective of how highly placed in the society.
She added that anyone who threatens her committee members, solicits pardon for suspects or tries to withdraw a case of GBV is perverting justice and will be charged with compounding felony as enshrined in the amended Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law.
In a Goodwill message, the Deputy Governor of the State, Philip Shaibu, noted that cultural influence can make victims not to report cases of GBV and that whoever is found culpable is liable by the provisions of the VAPP Law.
He therefore appealed to traditional rulers to help in dealing with gender-based violence in rural areas.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Youth and Gender Issues, Andrew Enwanta, noted that beyond sensitization, his Ministry is developing a sexual harassment policy for the State that will tackle sexual harassment in the workplace, schools etc.
According to Emwanta, “the problem of gender based violence begins with an act of harassment that we take for granted.”
In his address, the team leader of GIZ SKYE, Dr Detlef Bart, said they are supporting the state government by developing a gender strategy.
He further explained that “only by working together and contributing each individual’s ideas, experience and commitment can we combat gender specific disadvantages and discrimination and make gender equality around the world a reality as part of dignifying the future.”
