Calls for establishement of Sexual Assault Response centers
By Ramat Ayo Ismail
The federal government has been urged to declare a state of emergency on violence against women and girls that is ravaging the country
The Coordinator of Gender and Constitution Reform Network, (GECORN) in kwara state, Mrs Olutosin Apiriola Ajayi. made call while paying an advocacy visit to relevant stakeholders on how best to tackle violence against women and women political participation in the state
She explained that women and girls endure physical, socioeconomic and sexual violence in at least ten of the federation despite existing legal frame work in the country.
Ajayi stated that there is need for the state government to establish operational and functional shelters in three senatorial district of the state to support Women and girls who are at the risk or survivors of violence in the state by 2023
“”Gender-based violence (GBV) or violence against women and girls (VAWG), is a global pandemic that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime, ” she said.
The Coordinator also made it known that government needs to commit adequate resources to establish new support already established Sexual Assault Response centers in the state
Part of the advocacy messages according to her is to create and maintain an enabling environment for ensuring inclusion, equality and Justice for all in every where in kwara state.
She added that the rationale for the advocacy is to provide a legal backing to support the implementation of the 35 per affirmative action for Nigerian women’s representation in decision making and in politics.
Ajayi however, urged INEC to set up mechanisms for strengthening the internal democratic culture and gender responsiveness of political parties in relation to party Constitution, manifestos and activities including all leadership selection processes
In his response, the Magaji Ngeri of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammad Jamiu Adebayo expressed his support for the programme.
He charged women to set to take leadership role in the forthcoming election and as well called on women to support Women in the state
Also in her response, the state coordinator, National Human Right Commission, Jumoke Olaoye discĺosed
that domestic violence constituted the majority of the 200 cases recorded in the last one year.
Olaoye said that many women who came to the commission brought complaints of their husbands beating them with evidences of battery on their bodies.
“The most prevalent area we have been dealing with is the area of domestic violence, and then inheritance” She assured the organization of it’s commission support to tackle the menace of violence against women in state.
