Voice Air Media News Update
OSUN: As part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism for the elimination of the sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), Osun state Multi-Stakeholders’ forum put together by the Sexual and Gender Based Violence Justice Network (SJN) in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have identified lack of implementation of the SGBV laws, continuously silence, Ignorance by survivors as some of the major factors hindering the speedy justice delivery for survivors in the state, Voice Air Media reports.
In a sensitization event held in WOCDIF center in Osogbo, Osun state capital on Thursday, the stakeholders led by HRM Oba Isaiah Olusegun Adedeji Atobatele II, the Tirimi of Iperindo-Ijesha, posited that many women and girls are dying in silence and ignorance despites suffering from all forms of violence in the state.
In the groups discussion, they said there is need for aggressive awareness, identification on the need for survivors of gender based violence to open up on this societal menace, stressing that it is a collective responsibility for the residents to combat this pervasive issue, and collaboration among all stakeholders, by identifying the survivors and giving them a voice and training of legal service providers and law enforcement agencies.
The executive director of Community Advancement Initiative for Self-Reliance (CAI4SR), Eni Ayeni, while noting that eradicating gender based violence requires strategic, targeted and adequately funded interventions from multi sectoral approach, Ayeni opined that the need for the state government to fully implement the laws by creating special courts for trials of SGBV cases, functionality of the SARC and resource allocation.
The stakeholders highlighted prevention, protection, support mechanisms and ensuring a holistic approach to address the root causes and consequences of gender-based violence.
“The toll of gender-based violence on individuals, families, and societies is immeasurable, affecting mental, physical, and economic well-being. Committing resources to this cause, we invest in a safer Osun state for all.
“The victim should report herself to the health center within 24 to 72hours of incident, report to the police and approach an NGO for proper action, as we encouraged them to speak out.
“Together, let us advocate for the provision of shelter to protect survivors of SGBV and a multi sectoral costed action plan for effective implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law to our aspirations but also ensures a future where every person can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination,” stakeholders stated.
During the meeting, the National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC) Osun state office, disclosed that the Commission stands resolute in its commitment to address critical issues affecting the rights of women and girls.
As we celebrate this year’s 16days of activism the Osun stakeholders called on concerted efforts by the security agencies to be up to the task and do a diligent work in fighting against this menace in the society.
Also speaking, Mrs Oluwadamilola Olabiyi, from International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), described gender based violence as global problem that requires concerted global action.
According to her, there is need for all stakeholders to join hand to build a safe and more inclusive world for women and girls.
“FIDA Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to prevent violence against women and girls and calls on the government, private sector, Civil Society Organizations, media and indeed all stakeholders to amplify their commitments and investment to improved laws and violence preventions”.
Meanwhile, Mrs Adekeye Damilola from Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Osun State Command, Osogbo, said, the fight against gender based violence remains on course, stressing that survivors of domestic violence must speak out to stop the menace in the state.
In her remarks, the chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Osun State Chapter, Mrs Motunrayo Ayegbayo said, follow up by relevant stakeholders to fight the situation is important and create awareness and bring about justice.
The SJN Cluster comprises these organisations– Lawyers Alert (LA), Ikra Foundation for Women and Youths Development, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), League of Women Voters, Nigeria (NILOWV), Community Advancement Initiative for Self-Reliance (CAI4SR), Agbani Farms Ltd and Legal Awareness for Nigerian Women (LANW).
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