Stakeholders converged on Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital for conversation aimed at addressing critical issues regarding gender-based violence and how to end the menace .
The event entitled : Strengthening Women’s Voice Against Gender-Based Violence was part of activities to mark the 16-Day Activism .
The event was organized By Ekiti Women Arise,a Community-Based Organization under Leading Ladies Connect International (LLCI) with the support from Voice of Women Foundation (Women Radio) and WARDC.
The participants included the representatives of the Media ,Civil Society groups ,Nigeria Union of Journalists, Students group , as well as officials of the Ekiti State Ministry of Justice.
The events featured inter generation sessions to discuss issues related with gender equality and role of stakeholders in ending gender based violence in our society.
In his opening remarks, the President of Ekiti Women Arise Mrs Dunni Riches, emphasized the need to promote women’s rights and ensure women are protected, empowered economically in their pursuit to end gender based violence.
She stressed the need for stakeholders to always mainstreaned women by ensuring that their voice are heard .
In one of the panel sessions, Barrister Kolawole Yetunde a staff of the Ministry of Justice, Ekiti State hinted that Ekiti has a robust legal frameworks in place to address gender-based violence.
According to her , the ministry is also working with all relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure justice is served to all persons involved in this crime.
She therefore said that government would not tolerate any act of criminality against on both gender.
She enjoined victims to always report all cases of abuse to any of the authorities or agencies close to them.
Barrister Kolawole used the occasion to intimate the participants that the Sexual Assault Refers Center (SARC) had been established across the three senatorial districts in the state.
Another panelist, Alhaji Yaqoub Popoola (Daily Independent Correspondent), shared experiences covering gender-based violence stories.
He advocated media collaboration with stakeholders to amplify the impact of awareness campaigns.
Mrs. Adewumi Olamiju (NUJ), explored the media’s role in raising awareness and shaping public opinion on gender-based violence.
She underscored the responsibility of journalists in promoting accurate and sensitive reporting.
The panel session also featured Ayayi Eniola from Ekiti State University, Mrs Ifedayo Adediwura a mother and fashion designer, Kelvin Ahemen, serving youth corps member and ‘He for She’ advocate and Seyifunmi Kolawole a teenage activist.
Rev. Olowolayemo Lawrence ED ICDCA, discussed the role of nonprofit organizations in providing support and rehabilitation for victims.
He advocated for community-driven initiatives and collaborative efforts in addressing these issues. He encouraged young people to avoid peer pressure which can lure them into illicit activities and encourage them to pursue their studies and aspirations in a right way.
Olowolayemo also enjoinec the victims of Gender based violence to speak out .
This year 16-Day Activism event in Ado Ekiti served as a rallying point for community-driven action against gender-based violence.
The diverse range of participants and stakeholders underscored the significance of a united front in the pursuit of gender equality and the eradication of violence against women not only in Ekiti state but in Nigeria