Stakeholders harp on need to prevent violence against person

The need to prevent all forms of violence against person to maximum protection as well provide effective remedies for survival and punishment of perpetrators has again been emphasized by stakeholders In Ibadan.

The stakeholders who are drawn from Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, State Ministry of Women Affiars, State Ministry of Justice, made this position known in their separate remarks during a day workshop for journalists, organized by the United Nations Population Fund in partnership with the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists.( NAWOJ)

Representing the State Primary Healthcare, Mrs Baliqees Olawoyin, disclosed that using the ‘gender-based’ aspect is important as it highlights the fact that many forms of violence against women are rooted in power inequalities.

Olawoyin stressed further that though both women and men experience gender-based violence but the majority of victims are women and girls.

 She however identified a challenge of culture and conspiracy of silence as the major problem attached to "gender -based violence through which Oyo state government has started working upon to sensitize the local communities.

" We observe that majority going through this trauma always keep mute, and the little percentage who are willing to talk are being discouraged by members of the family, traditional rulers, religious leadersand even friends. We are involving the local community rulers because we observd that gender based violence occur most in the remose area. Aslo many of the survival do not visit health care centres ,and this make it difficult to render health care assistance"

"Oyo state government will not relent in its efforts to educate all and sundry about gender based violence, providing effective remedies for survival and punishment of offenders".

Representing  Oyo state Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Akinpelu noted that the ministry is always at alert to provide quick and rapid response to any case reported.

 Akinpelu added that the ministry has large roles to play in ensuring the rights of women, children , vulnerable,( Widows) , and aged are protected, and also integrating survival back to the society.

Representing State Ministry of Justice, Barrister Olamide Idowu said the ministry intervention is multi- sectorial, which involves calling in parties to mediate and achieve policy outcomes.

Speaking on the theme" The Violence against Person Prohibition Law

( VPP) it's content and implementation, Barr Idowu noted that there was need for the media to educate and inform the members of the public that they have access to justice.

Earlier in her welcome address,  Senior program coordinator, Centre for population and reproductive health, University of Ibadan, Mrs Tolulope said the program was planned  to interact with Media to understand the current situation on ground and proffer possibly way out.