By Adedayo Adeleye
The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has called on Ekiti people to desist from acts capable of promoting Gender Based Violence in the State.
The Governor’s Wife, who made the call at a town Hall meeting in some local government areas of the state, said that all hands must be on deck to stem the tide of Gender Based Violence in the state.
Erelu Fayemi and other members of the Gender Based Management Committee visited Ikole and Ekiti East local Government areas where she emphasised the need to take violence against women and children serious at the grassroots level.
She said that the act destroyed lives, erode self-esteem and confidence, as well as bring educational opportunities to a halt for the victims.
The Governor’s wife noted that the present administration takes the issue of Gender-Based Violence, GBV, seriously, hence, the constitution of the GBV Management Committee and the signing of various Gender friendly laws by the state Governor.
Erelu Fayemi noted that many women were victims of Economic, Social, Emotional and Physical violence, saying that violators would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
She explained that the State had provided Sexual Assault Referral Centre, as well as, ensuring the establishment of a Women Shelter, also known as Safe House for GBV survivors, being part of the efforts to put a soothing balm on the pain inflicted on the victims.
Speaking on Female Genital Mutilation, Erelu Fayemi charged Stakeholders to redouble their efforts in ending the menace of the outlawed FGM in the state.
She pointed out that traditional and religious leaders must take ownership of the campaign to halt the harmful cultural practice.
Earlier the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Eunice Oladimeji, appealed to Ekiti people to continue to support the state government in ending gender based violence.
Some stakeholders, who spoke at the event, promised to make the best use of the messages delivered by speakers at the various events.
