Stakeholders at the grand finale of the 16 days activism against Gender – Based Violence, GBV, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State have identified the need for budgetary allocation and empowerment for GBV survivors as essential tools in the fight against gender based related issues.
Speaking at the event put together by a non governmental organization, APIN Public Health Initiatives, the State team approach lead, Dr Oluwatobi Olaniyi called for workable systems to punish perpetrators of GBV as deterrent to others and urged the government to include gender norms session in school activities, with a view to raising the consciousness of students.
Also, the APIN Ogun gender focal person, Mrs Favour Ojo-Omoniyi said the group had visited eight schools in the state to educate the learners on gender related issues since the commencement of the campaign in November, expressing optimism that with increased awareness and advocacy visits to religious and community leaders, the fight against gender based violence could be won before the 2030 target.
The Acting Director, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Adewusi Jumoke who expressed worry over the increased rate of gender based violence renewed the ministry’s commitment to collaborations with relevant bodies in the fight against the menace.
In a contribution, the GBV lead, Ogun state Agency for the control of AIDS, Mrs Adenike Olusipe said the theme of the campaign, “Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls, ” was a compelling reminder that eradicating gender-based violence required collective efforts.
Earlier, the Head of office, Ogun APIN office, Mr Micheal Ohue had thanked the various stakeholders for their efforts towards reducing gender based issues in the country.
