Gender-Based Violence is like a cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of human existence with Nigeria having rising reported cases.
To tackle this teething problem headlong, relevant stakeholders particularly government at all levels must come up with a more practicable and holistic approach.
The Founder/Executive Director of a non-govern mental organisation, Deborah International Outreach, which focuses on Girl child and women development, Pastor Bunmi Onilude, stated these at a sensitization campaign programme held at the Apa Palace, Badagry, Lagos.
According to her, there is the need for people to have a clear understanding of what gender-based violence really is, the remote causes, its prevalence, and impact on individuals and the nation at large.
She explained that the programme was put together to enable the participants to explore and properly dissect how factors such as patriarchy, toxic masculinity and power dynamics contribute to gender based violence.
In addition,she informed that victims of gender based violence face emotional and psychological trauma noting that such experiences have broader impact on the community.
Pastor Onilude also opined that every individual has the right to wear what he or she chooses and go where they please without any fear of harassment or violence, but emphasised that the time has come for stakeholders to intensify enlightenment on how girls and women can protect themselves from potential predators.
The Girl and Women Rights Advocate observed that promoting modesty can be a valid part of this education, but should not be the only approach.
She added that stakeholders should come up with a comprehensive approach that includes educating people on their rights, identifying and challenging harmful societal attitudes and beliefs that instigate violence, and also equipping girls and women with practical skills for empowering and shielding themselves in a variety of situations.
Speaking on efforts of the Lagos State Government towards tackling the menace, the Supervisor for Women and Poverty Alleviation, Badagry West Local Government, Honourable Sesi Ogungbe said the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration has rolled out various projects for sexual violence based survivors.
Maintaining that no girl child should be an object of sexual assault, she submitted that relevant laws bordering on such offences remain sacrosanct.
The sensitization programme had in attendance sixty-seven participants which comprised Traditional Rulers, Topshots of security agencies, Gender-based Desk Security Operatives, Members of the Nigerian Bar, Okada Riders, Market men and women Leaders, Religious Leaders, Youth Representatives and Students, Representatives Of Non-Governmental Organisations, among others.
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