Dangote workers kidnapped, dozens injured in Edo

By Kadiri Christopher 

 

Mrs Christabel Omoh Ekwu, Edo State MSDGI Commissioner (right) with Mrs Barbara Osobajo, Permanent Secretary, Edo MSDGI in a session recently

Edo State Commissioner for Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, SDGI, Hon Christabel Omoh Ekwu  has called on the general public to collaborate  with the Ministry in the fight against Gender-Based Violence, GBV, which is eating deep into the society. 

The Commissioner made this call while Briefing the Press of the 16 Days of Activism in Benin city, .

Hon Christabel  also stated "that the ministry has a lot of line up activities for the forth coming 16 days of Activism" ,noting that it will mark another mile stone for the elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls as the ministry will continue to campaign and implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, law.

She noted, "Violence against women  and girls remains a critical human rights violation, affecting millions worldwide. In Edo State, we acknowledged the challenges we are facing, including the intensification of this scourge in various settings such as homes workplaces and online spaces in rural areas and   in the city metropolis".

Also the Commissioner further encouraged stakeholders at all levels in the private sector, civil society organisations to increase their commitments to preventing GBV, advocating for more investment in women's organisations, improved legislation, the prosecution of perpetrators, enhanced services for survivors and comprehensive training for law enforcement officials, most especially empowerment policies for the women and a  comprehensive  education for a girl child.

The Commissioner asserted that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has zero tolerance for gender based violence. This he has demonstrated through his relentless efforts and commitment to combating the scourge.

The Commissioner disclosed that the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centre  otherwise known as the Vivian GBV Centre as a one stop shop in June 2020, with the aim of providing medical, psychosocial counselling, legal and investigative services to the survivors.

In another development the Obaseki-led administration has also ensure the passing of VAPP Act into law in Edo State to address the menace of GBV in the State.

  

The Commissioner disclosed that recently the Daisy Danjuma Women Centre was established as an infrastructural support to state policy on women  development, empowerment, care and protection as she noted.

The theme for this year 16 Days of Activism is "UNITE! invest to prevent Violence aganist Women and Girls."