By Lucky Isibor
Members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by Josemaria Escriva Foundation and Indomitable Youth Organisation, Wednesday, 4 December converged on John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOSPA) to rally support to end Gender Based Violence GBV in Edo State.
The event which was part of activities marking the 16 days activism to raise awareness in support of elimination of violence against women and girls was organised by the CSOs in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues with the theme, “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”, with focus on the roles and responsibilities of men and boys in stopping violence against women and girls.
In his opening remarks at the event, the Chief Responsibility Officer of Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Dr. Jude Obasanmi pointed out that the event was organised to mainstream men and young boys into the fight against violence against women and girls, noting that violence
against women and girls are mostly perpetrated by men and boys.
“Based on the study we did in our foundation, we realised that when we talk about gender based violence, the focus has always been on the women. Nobody talks about how to change the mentality of that man not to be involved in violence, because most of the men that are doing these they have their own children and some of them are males, so if we are able to capture the man, we are able to get the boy, on the long run we’ll be able to reduce the issue of violence against women. We decided to gradually shift the narrative to make sure that those men involved in committing this heinous crime are engaged in a manner that they will know what is expected of them”.
In a remark, the functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien thanked the organisers of the event for their interest in the fight against violence against women and girls.
Mrs. Ihensekhien who was represented by Mr. Syvelster Okoeguale, the Director of Rehabilitation Services in the ministry, called on all hands to be on deck to ensure that gender based violence becomes a thing of the past in Edo State.
While stating that the ministry has been involved in aggressive sensitisation on the harmful effects of GBV throughout the state, the functioning Permanent Secretary called for spiritual enlightenment, as according to her some Christians are involved in gender based violence.
In his presentation, the Executive Director of Indomitable Youth Organisation, Dr. Bright Oniovikukor defined Gender Based Violence GBV as an umbrella word for harmful acts of abuse perpetrated against a person’s will and rooted in in a system of unequal power between men and women.
While stating that GBV can happen to any one, Dr. Oniovikukor enumerated the forms of GBV, adding that it can happen to anyone.
According to him, gender based violence can manifest in “Physical violence, such as assault or slavery; emotional or psychological violence, such as verbal abuse or confinement; sexual abuse, including rape; harmful practices, like child marriage and female genital mutilation; socio-economic violence, which includes denial of resources; and sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse.
“Gender-based violence can happen to anyone. However, it disproportionately affects women and girls.Those in crisis settings are at a double disadvantage due to their gender and their situation. Women and girls from other diverse and marginalized communities face an even greater risk where gender inequality intersects with other forms of oppression.
“Those at most risk include women and girls living with disabilitiesYoung and adolescent girlsOlder womenPeople who identify as LGBTQ+Women of ethnic minorities, refugees and migrants.
While listing the effects of gender based violence, the medical practitioner cum rights activist also enumerated steps to be taken to prevent the menace.
“Violence has a long lasting effect on survivors and their families. Impacts can range from physical harm to long-term emotional distress to fatalities. Rape and sexual assault can result in unwanted pregnancies, complications during pregnancy and birth, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
“Social and economic fallout from GBV can lead to a loss of livelihood and increased gender inequalities in the long term. Reporting or seeking services for GBV can lead to further threats of violence, social stigma and ostracization. GBV is also a key barrier to women and girls accessing other lifesaving services, such as food, shelter and healthcare. Crises are not short-term occurrences. Climate-related disasters can create recurrent crises and many women and girls who are forcibly displaced can end up living in temporary accommodation for years. This exposes women and girls to GBV for longer and can draw out and compound the effects of that violence for decades, hampering long-term resilience and empowerment.ion
“While GBV continues to be a huge risk that women and girls face daily, there are ways to prevent it. Some of these include:Empowering women and girls across their lifetime by:Keeping girls in schoolEmpowering women economicallyUsing feminist approaches to tackle gender inequality, including in the homeProviding women and girls with safe spacesGiving women cash supportEngaging male alliesIncluding women in decision-making at leadership levelSupporting local women-led and women’s rights organizations”.
Several women groups, civil society organisations, officials of the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues and youths attended the event.