GBV; FONWIP Advocates For Full Implementation Of Laws To Prevent Violence Against Women And Girls
By Simeon SAJIE
The Forum of Nigeria Women in Politics, FONWIP has advocated for Civil Society to hold nations accountable on clear bench mark of progress, stronger laws, full implementation of those laws, organize violence prevention programs and give training to law enforcement agents, police, judges, lawyers, health care professionals as well as survivor services to prevent violence against women and girls.
The call was made by Hon. Deaconess Amb. Florence Igbinigie JP. PhD. during the 16 days of activism against gender based violence/International Human Rights day 2024 stakeholders Dialogue with the theme: Towards Beijing +30 Unite to end violence against women and girls, organized by FONWIP in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
According to Hon. Florence Igbinigie who was represented by Mrs. Joy Adodo, there is the need to support and advocate for government and the United Nations on the every woman treaty optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW, enhance women right movement to access funds in fulfilling their mission and uplifting the social and economic status of women and girls.
She urged participants to challenge social norms, eliminate structural gender inequalities, stereotypes and myths that will encourage a stronger and autonomous feminist movement to drive policy change, demand stronger accountability from law enforcement agencies and government.
She highlighted the UN Secretary General global call on the need for us to unite, increase awareness, intensify advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to end gender based violence against women and girls.
She stated that this year’s theme was apt as we approach the 30th anniversary to review the implementation of the Beijing declaration and platform for action and following the 2023 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) summits call for accelerated progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.
“As Civil Society Organization, FONWIP outside advocacy, support survivors of domestic violence and widows with interest free revolving loans to boost their businesses and increase their economic lives. They also give temporary shelters where the need arises,” she added.
The Representative of the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Nwaozor Florence, who was the chair of the event, commended FONWIP for organizing the Dialogue on how to eliminate gender based violence on women and girls.
“They should not relent in their efforts to see that gender based violence is totally eliminated in the state. It needs pushing, advocacy and sensitization to markets, palaces, Mosques and churches.
“They should be talking about rape, female genital mutilation and above all it needs follow up that says,” when you see something, you say something.
“We need to teach our children more about the private parts of their bodies and there should be sexual education and orientation in schools at every level,” she noted.
There were other good will messages from the Ministry of Communication and Orientation, Medical Women Association, the National Orientation Agency, the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Girls Guide.
During the discussion session, which was chaired by Dr. Bright Oniovokukor, IYO the lead discussant, Hon. Florence Igbinigie, the lead presenter, Barr. Violet Olumese of FIDA, Barr. Agatha Osieke, WOCAP and Dr. Ezebo Rebecca MWAN observed that beyond rape there are other forms of violence that the law frowns at like emotional distress, verbal and psychological abuse, stalking, coercion, indecent exposure.
They also made recommendations and suggested strategies to combat gender based violence, which includes the need for women to be economically empowered and continuous sensitization and awareness.
