By Victoria Okpanachi
The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajiya Sefinat Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed her commitment to end gender based violence in the state.
She made the commitment in Lokoja recently as the state joins the world to observe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign that aims to raise awareness and mobilise action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
The First Lady also used the forum to draw attention to the theme of this year’s event which is “We Stand Against All Forms of Gender-Based Violence. Every Woman Deserves A Future”.
Related News
She emphasised that it was the international day for the elimination of violence against women and everyone must be involved in the fight against the menace.
Hajiya Ododo noted that as the voice of the women in the state, she will ensure that all forms of violence are eliminated.
She advised women not to trigger violence, while noting that the fight will be taken to the grassroots.
Hajiya Ododo commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for her support in the fight against menace.
On her part, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Margret Oyibo while appreciating the first lady for her determination to end all forms of gender-based violence, said it was a social issue that calls for collective actions.
She stressed that women must rise up to the task of looking out for themselves.
Contributing , the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Fatima Momoh, said the level of violence against women was alarming, noting that 1 out of 4 girls under 18 experience some form of sexual harassment.
Hon. Momoh, who acknowledged that the state was taking bold steps in the fight, stated that the state has made women’s rights a non negotiable priority in the government with more women holding key position.
The commissioner noted that the state was prioritising girl child education and also ensuring that every woman can live a life free of every form of discrimination.
The State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, Barr. Nuhu Musa in his remark,said the commission was willing to collaborate with the state to eliminate violence against women and girls in the state.
Also, Barr. Olukemi Usman of the International Federation of Women Lawyers while delivering her lecture on Understanding the Rights of Women, encouraged women to know their rights and protect them.
Barr. Juliana Omale of the Directorate of Gender Based Violence, Ministry of Justice who also gave a lecture on Understanding Gender-Based Violence, advocated that women educate themselves, create awareness, and get themselves empowered economically.
Barr. Omale, who appealed to the government to provide accommodations for the survivors of gender-based violence, urged victims to speak out.
