BENIN CITY – The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady and Chairman, Gender-Based Violence Management Committee (GBVMC), Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, has called for stronger multi-sectoral collaboration to effectively combat gender-based violence in the state.
Anani made the call on Monday during the 15th quarterly meeting of the GBVMC, held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, where the committee unveiled its 2026 work plan.
She expressed concern over the persistent and evolving nature of gender-based violence, describing it as a violation of human rights and a threat to public health, social cohesion and sustainable development.
“The fact that we are meeting for the 15th time reflects both the gravity of the challenge and our collective resolve to confront it through coordinated action,” she said.
Anani noted improvements in sexual assault referral centres and community engagement but identified stigma, underreporting and emerging forms of violence as ongoing challenges.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Roland Otaru (SAN), said the major challenge in tackling GBV was ensuring effective prosecution of offenders, despite existing laws.
He called for increased collaboration among stakeholders and advocated the domestication of the Cybercrime Act in Edo State to address online violence and abuse.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Eugenia Abdallah, reviewed progress on action points from the previous meeting and emphasised sustained collaboration to strengthen GBV prevention and response.
The meeting featured reports from ministries, agencies, departments, security agencies and non-governmental organisations, and served as a platform to assess progress and develop actionable strategies.
A major highlight was the presentation of the 2026 work plan, which adopts a coordinated, survivor-centred approach focused on prevention, response, accountability and partnerships in addressing gender-based violence across Edo State.
