Adebowale Olorunmola, the country director of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), expressed the foundation's commitment to collaborating with the State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence (OSAA-GBV) to proactively address the menace. Olorunmola emphasised the importance of engaging multiple sectors, particularly the media, to ensure widespread awareness and understanding of the laws against GBV in the state.
The program, titled "Enhancement of the Capacity of State Institutions for Effective Implementation of Laws to Promote Inclusion, Gender Equality and Reverse GBV," highlighted the objective of strengthening state institutions to effectively enforce laws and promote gender equality while combating GBV.
Olamide Falana, the special adviser to the Governor on gender matters, addressed the budgeting aspect of OSAA-GBV and assured that provisions would be made to support victims who have been forced to relocate from their homes. Falana further revealed that the state government had plans to construct homes specifically designed to cater to the needs of adolescents and adults, particularly those who have suffered from domestic violence.
Citing statistics released by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in June, Mrs Falana disclosed alarming figures, stating that there were 17,848 reported cases of GBV, including 779 fatal cases, with 1,146 closed cases and 5,716 cases still ongoing. She also highlighted that 248 perpetrators had been convicted, while Ondo State alone accounted for 158 reported cases.
During the meeting, Taiwo Olubodun, the Head of the Department of Public Prosecution, provided guidance to prosecutors on the proper preparation of charges against GBV suspects to avoid having their cases dismissed due to lack of evidence. Olubodun emphasised the importance of using appropriate language and citing relevant sections of the law when pressing charges against suspects.
Justice Bankole Akinwumi, a state High Court judge, delivered a presentation urging the agency to intensify public awareness campaigns about the existence of the GBV law. Akinwumi highlighted the unfortunate reality that many people in the state remain unaware of the law's existence and called for increased efforts to educate the public about it.
In his recommendations, Justice Akinwumi also stressed the need for logistics support for gender desks at all security agencies in the state. Such support would enhance the effectiveness of these desks in addressing GBV cases and ensuring the safety and well-being of victims.
The stakeholders' meeting highlighted the collective determination to combat GBV in Ondo State and underscored the importance of collaboration, awareness, and effective implementation of laws to protect vulnerable individuals from gender-based violence.
(NAN)