By Abisola Ariwodola,
Towards ending Gender Based Violence against girls and women, and having the relevant GBV prevention measures in Osun state, ActionAid has trained members of Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee in the state.
This is as the organization partnered Osun state government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the determination of the government to create an environment that prioritizes safety and well-being of individuals across strata was reiterated.
The disclosure was made at the inauguration, orientation and 4-day Training of members of the Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee on Gender Based Violence (GBV) held at Ideal Nest Conference hall in Osogbo.
In her welcome address the Commissioner, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Honorable Ayobola Fabiyi-Awolowo, said the crucial workshop, focused on the eradication of gender-based violence, is to intensify the fight against GBV, adding that the Multi-Stakeholders are agents of change.
She maintained that Gender-based violence is not merely a women’s issue, but a societal challenge that demands collective response, though thriving in silence and ignorance, but today, “we choose to speak out and take action.”
“Let us learn from one another, inspire one another, and work collaboratively toward a future where everyone can live free from fear and violence against girls and women.”
“This training by ActionAid is to empower us to create safe and supportive environments for everyone, and we commend ActionAid for taking the lead in raising awareness and providing valuable training that equips all to combat this scourge.
Hon Awolowo reiterated the unwavering commitment of Osun’s gender friendly Governor Ademola Adeleke towards ensuring that communities are free from gender-based violence, adding that the eradication of gender-based violence, is a challenge that not only affects individuals but also undermines the society safety.
She added that Osun government supports ActionAid and organizations working towards the elimination of the GBV scourge, emphasizing recognition on effective collaboration as a key to a violence-free society.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Chairman, Osun state House of Assembly House Committee on Women, Children and Social Affairs, Honourable Adesina Rabiu also commended ActionAid organization for the remarkable efforts in mobilizing participants to suppress issue that affects countless lives and undermines our collective progress as a society.
Speaking further, with the affirmation of the Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman House Committee on media and public affairs, Hon. Adekunle Oladimeji who was also in attendance at the training, he opined that the fight to end GBV in Osun state is supported by arms of the government including the State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon. Adewale Egbedun, who is actively engaged in reviewing and perfecting any existing laws against gender-based violence, for effective prevention and response, adding that the assembly is committed to enacting measures that hold perpetrators accountable while providing support for survivors, the honourable stated.”
Also, in his goodwill message, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, HRM Oba Dr Adedokun Abolarinwa, lauded the initiative of ActionAid which protects and prevents women from GBV as well as empowers the female gender amid other objectives of the organization.
The scholarly Royal Father charged everyone to embrace the change narrative and impact the society positively, adding that the government cannot do it alone, while calling for the collective effort of everyone to provide a safe society for children, women and the populace.
In her remarks, the ActionAid Project Manager, Women Rights Unit, Mrs Vivian Efem-Bassey highlighted the importance MAP GBV project, and ActionAid role in prevention and response programming in Osun state.
She stated that the training is to guide the stakeholders to become more aware of conscious and unconscious biases towards gender and Gender-based violence and being willing to question actions, and have improved understanding of the concepts, types, terms and definition of GBV.
Highlighting facts, and human reflection angle and others, she stated that the project will contribute towards women and girls living with reduced Gender Based Violence fears with the effective prevention strategies, and she called on the government to invest in the Gender Based Violence program activities of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, and to intensify Enlightenment of the public.
The Multi-Stakeholders members include Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Federation of Female Lawyers FIDA, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Joint Association of Persons with Disability, Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria, Christian Association of Nigeria, Imams, NAPTIP, Community Based Organisations, Security Organizations, Traditional Leaders, among others.