Ogun Government says it is joining forces with community leaders in Ogun East Senatorial District to promote advocacy and curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Ayotunde Lawal, made this known while speaking at a sensitisation programme for community gate-keepers (Olorituns) on Thursday in Ijebu-Ode.
Lawal reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that aligned with the agenda of building a safer future for all citizens.
She stressed the need for strengthening ties with community leaders in order to curtail violence against women and children.
The special adviser assured of government’s concerted efforts at improving the lives of the people of the state.
“As a government, we will continue to encourage and support our gate-keepers in each community, whose mission tallies with our agenda of ‘Building Our Future Together’.
“We will also continue to make life more meaningful for citizens, irrespective of their geographical locations, gender, religious and political affiliations,” she said.
Earlier, the Director, Women Empowerment Services, Mrs Wonuola Kassim, noted the vital roles being played by community leaders in reaching and impacting their people, hence the partnership to reduce GBV.
Speaking, the Chairman of Olorituns, Ijebu-Ode Council, Chief Adeola Alausa, commended the state government for organising the programme.
While stating that the programme was timely and essential in combating GBV, Alausa called for collective and government supports to end social vices in the society.
In her lecture entitled: “Understanding Gender-Based Violence and Response”, the ministry’s Gender Vocal Officer, Mrs Mariam Afolabi, highlighted different forms of violence, including physical, mental and psychological.
According to Afolabi, sexual assaults have devastating effects on the survivors’ emotion, resulting in anger, fear and sadness, even as she called on the community leaders and survivors to always speak up. (NAN)
