By Gbenga Ojikutu
Ekiti State Government has reiterated its commitment to wage war against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the grassroot.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye said this while declaring open a 2-day training workshop organised by office of the wife of the Governor in collaboration with Ministry of Local Government Affairs for female LG Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, wives of Council Chairmen and other LG Stakeholders on GBV in Ado Ekiti.
Chief Afuye stated that the workshop would encourage local communities to take action against violence and discrimination against women and vulnerable girl child, noting that this administration has given adequate attention to women and all issues affecting them as many key elective and appointive positions were given to women in the executive, legislative and judicial arms.
In her speech, the wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji who was represented by the Head of Service,Dr Folakemi Olomojobi said GBV was a task that calls for a united approach, policies and actions that bring about meaningful change and reshape public attitudes.
She stated that the platform should be used to develop effective strategies, increase public awareness and enhance the enforcement of laws aimed at protecting the vulnerables.
The First Lady called on all Stakeholders to join the fight against GBV as champions of justice and peace to ensure a brighter,safer and violence free future for all.
Meanwhile, a call has gone to Stakeholders in the local Councils to develop and implement strategies that would prevent and respond to Gender Based Violence (GBV) effectively in Ekiti State.
The State Commissioner for Local Govt. Affairs, Hon. Folorunso Olabode made the call during the GBV awareness and education workshop.
Hon.Olabode who lauded Governor Oyebanji for his funds approval for the workshop also commended his wife and the Deputy Governor for their commitment in providing needed support for the womenfolk and children through laudable programmes in the State.
The Commissioner described GBV as a societal challenge that requires urgent attention and collaborative efforts from all Stakeholders to combat.
He explained that the workshop would provide the platform to deliberate on actionable steps, share insights and learn from best practices to curb the menace in our communities, noting that they should work together to create a safe , respected and valued environment.
The LGA boss encouraged all participants to contribute and offer solutions where recommendations and outcomes will form a strong basis for policy formulation , advocacy and community engagement in combating GBV in Ekiti.
In her good will message, the Vice Chairman, GBV Management Committee, who doubles as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Olapeju Babafemi explained that GBV violates fundamental human rights which subject victims to physical and emotional suffering and death.
She affirmed that Ekiti State has zero tolerance for it with landmark legislation of GBV provision law(2019) and against female genital mutilation which reflects government commitment to the eradication of the menace.
She highlighted some of the roles of GBV Management Committee to include ensuring justice, , providing medical and psychological care for survivors , offering protection,engaging in community outreach for prevention, creation of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) amongst others.
She urged all local governments and local council development authority to emulate the State’s efforts by establishing GBV management committees at the grassroot level.
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