The Edo State Government has been commended for its countless achievements in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
This commendation was made during a one day sensitization programme on Gender Based Violence organised by Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), an agency of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA) in Benin City.
Edo State First Lady, Dr. Besty Obaseki who was represented by the Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon.Christabel Omoh Ekwu reaffirmed her commitment in the fight against Gender Based Violence in the state.
Dr. Obaseki further sensitised the people on the need to collaborate with government in fighting the menace of Gender Based Violence in the state, asserting that it is a collective responsibility that can not be overlooked, encouraging everyone to synergise with the Edo State Government to totally eliminate all gender related crimes.
“In Edo State, the provision of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and the Gender Policy has been fully implemented”, she added.
The First Lady revealed that in the past few years, Edo State has recorded huge success in reducing Gender Based Violence in the society, adding that more would be done to ensure that Gender Based Violence becomes a thing of the past in the state.
On his part, Hon. Asabe Vilita , director general, Maryam Banbagida National Centre for Women Development who was represented by Princess Jummai Idonije, the director of the department of Planning, Research and Statistics, (MBNCWD), noted that Gender-Based Violence in Edo State has experienced a great change, congratulating the Governor, Godwin Obaseki for the recently launched Gender Policy, adding that Edo State is one of the leading states in the fight against Gender Based Violence.
Princess Idonije, explained that, addressing a pressing issue that affects the very fabric of our society today is to fight against Gender Based Violence, calling on everyone to unite and fight against this social vice.
“This is a call to action, an opportunity to break the silence and collectively work towards eradicating this scourge from our communities.
“Gender Based Violence is a harsh reality faced by far too many individuals, often silently endured,” she concluded.
