Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) through policy enforcement, legal action, and community-driven initiatives.
This vow was made at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.
The meeting, themed “Mobilising Stakeholders for Action Against GBV in Kwara,” brought together stakeholders, including traditional rulers, government officials, the media, religious and community leaders, security agencies, and civil society actors. AbdulRazaq emphasized that GBV is not only a criminal offense but also a deep-rooted societal problem that requires collective action.
Key Initiatives
– Law Enforcement: Kwara State has enabled a law to protect women and girls against molestation.
– 21-Member Committee: A committee has been set up to enforce the law, and dedicated communication lines have been established to report GBV.
– Community Engagement: The state government is working with traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organizations to challenge harmful norms and empower both women and men.
The Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, condemned the rising menace of GBV, emphasizing that it goes against the state’s core cultural and religious values. He encouraged fellow traditional rulers to join him in championing the fight against GBV.
The meeting also saw the launch of resource documents on GBV, including:
– Factsheet: Providing an overview of GBV in Kwara State.
– Issue Brief: Outlining the key issues and challenges related to GBV.
– GBV Prevention and Advocacy Toolkit: Developed by BBYDI, this toolkit provides comprehensive strategies for preventing violence, supporting survivors, and fostering lasting societal change.
The GBV Prevention and Advocacy Toolkit is a call to action, encouraging traditional rulers and other leaders to lead the fight against GBV. The toolkit emphasizes the importance of partnership and community engagement in challenging harmful norms and empowering both women and men.
By reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling GBV, AbdulRazaq has demonstrated his dedication to creating a safer and more inclusive society for all Kwarans.
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