Edo Govt Goes Tough On Issues of Gender-based Violence

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Wife of Edo State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki has said that the training for gender equality is a transformative process that aims to provide knowledge, techniques and tools to develop skills and changes in attitudes and behaviours of Edo people.

According to her, it is a continuous and long-term process that requires political will and commitment of all parties in order to create inclusive societies that recognize the need to promote gender equality.

The Edo State First Lady made these remarks at a gender based training programme in Jattu, Etsako West local government of the state. She was able represented by wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade

(Mrs) Maryann Philip Shaibu who enjoined participants to take very seriously the training program and adhere to all the teachings because Edo State Government will leave no stone unturned in prosecuting anyone found guilty of rape, maltreatment, oppression or any form of violence.

“It is a tool, strategy, and means to effect individual and collective transformation towards gender equality by raising awareness and encouraging learning, knowledge-building and skills development. It helps women and men to understand the role gender plays and to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for advancing gender equality in their daily lives and work. Training for gender equality is part and parcel of delivering our commitments to equal human rights for all”, wife of the Deputy Governor, said.

The consultant and resource person who doubled as the Honorable Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon. ,(Mrs) Maria Omozele Edoko (Esq.), elucidated on the gender based violence laws and how government is ensuring that offenders are legally dealt with.

“We will not tolerate early marriage of any gender below age 18, rape from any gender, forceful eviction from home, maltreatment of any gender, physical violence, sale of babies, domestic violence, sexual harassment, selling of properties without partner’s consent, forceful abortion, female gender mutilation, oppression of minor, political violence, indecent exposure, and any form of gender violence” Maria said.

Dr. Georgina Eromosele who spoke on Gender Based Violence Case Management (GBVCM), called on all parents and guardians to always provide first aid treatment to anyone who is violated, by taking such person to the nearest hospital for medical care. She assured participants that there will be confidentiality during this process.

“In any rape case, the materials and the victim will be well documented, such victim should be brought to the hospital immediately to avoid loss of evidence.”

It would be recalled that on June 18, 2021, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, said his administration will not tolerate any form of harm or pain inflicted on women or minors in the state by sex violators, noting that the government will be ruthless with gender-based violence offenders.

The training workshop which was held at DPS event center in Jattu has in attendance political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations and market women organizations.

The state government’s approach on training for gender equality is guided by key international normative instruments.