The Oyo state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, Thursday, said the state government will be prosecuting perpetrators of Sexual and Gender- Based Violence (SGBV).
Mrs. Balogun stated this at a day stakeholders sensitisation meeting on SGBV and COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Project (CoPREP) held at Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovative Studies, Awolowo Road, Bodija, Ibadan.
The commissioner pointed out that under the existing laws in the state, there is no hidden place for perpetrators of such preposterous act, adding, Violence Against Person Prohibition Law (VAPP), Sexual and Gender Based Agency/Referral Centre Laws have been signed into law, hence perpetrators of SGBV in the state are punishable under the existing laws.
“As policy makers, we should not be onlookers but social architects striving for systemic change to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable through fair and effective legal systems, regardless of their social status or position of power,” she said.
Mrs. Balogun added that, “it is our collective responsibilities to brainstorm against future outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious and communicable diseases as well as prepare plans from the perspective of sexual and gender based violence.”
Mrs Balogun said SGBV knows no boundaries and it affects people of all ages, gender, sexual orientation and socio-economic backgrounds.
“It is a violation of human rights and dignity which thrives in environments where inequalities, determination and impunity exist,” she said.
Affirming that victims must be supported with accessible and survivor-centered services, including healthcare, legal aids, counseling and safe shelter, Mrs Balogun said silence and stigma surrounding SGBV should be broken to ensure that victims are met with belief, validation and support when they come forward.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Dolapo Popoola, in her remarks tasked all participating stakeholders to unite in a shared mission to equip themselves with the knowledge, tools and compassion needed to combat the harmful practices and injustice.
“With oneness we can build safer communities and advocate for the dignity and well-being of all individuals,” she said.
