The Edo State Government through the Office of the First Lady has reiterated its commitment to combat Gender Based Violence (GBV), with a clarion call on relevant stakeholders to join in the crusade, considering the devastating effects of GBV on individuals, families, society, the State and Nation at large.
The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani made the call during the second GBV quarterly meeting for year 2025, which held in the New Festival Hall at the Government House, Benin City. She stated that it was not going to be business as usual, saying, “Today, we’ll build on our previous discussions and conduct further evaluation on gender violence. We know that gender violence refers to violence directed at individuals; male and female, although it’s often associated more with women.
”It encompasses any form of violence that affects a person based on their gender, including coercion or forcing someone to act against his or her will. Such actions can also constitute violation of human rights”.
Mrs. Anani highlighted some factors that contribute to gender violence to include cultural norms and poverty, which according to her are significant factors contributing to situations where people may be forced to act against their will to survive, making it challenging to address morality and ethics when basic survival needs are at stake.
”Lack of awareness is another factor contributing to gender violence, as people may not recognize when they’re being violated due to societal normalization. Economic inequality is also a factor. We previously discussed the importance of educating children about Gender-based Violence in schools, especially with the prevalence of internet access and exposure to some harmful contents.
”Children often lack the maturity to discern right from wrong, and exposure to inappropriate content can have severe consequences, as illustrated by a disturbing video of a young boy plotting against his parents”. She said.
Mrs. Anani advocated for parental guidance, stressing that parents should be aware of their children’s associations and activities, highlighting the pivotal role of family values in molding children’s behaviour, while noting that the home serves as the primary learning environment.
She further urged parents to assume an active role in their children’s education and development.
Commenting on the progress made so far in the fight against GBV in the State, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi, represented by the Gender Based Violence Desk Officer, Mrs. Eseosa Onebamoi, listed the establishment of a special Family Court and Sexual Assault Referral Centre. She said they had successfully prosecuted GBV perpetuators, provided support to survivors, and undertaken initiatives for Child Welfare.
The meeting featured discussions on the progress of the action points from the previous meeting, presentations and reports by Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, amongst others.
Gloria Osemudiamhen
Public Relations Officer
Office of the First Lady
Edo State
PHOTO CAPTION
Middle: The Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani and other stakeholders drawn from Ministries, Agencies and Departments, during the GBV quarterly meeting held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
