Stakeholders advocates effective measures in tackling women, girls abuse

Benin, Edo – Stakeholders in the fight against Gender Based Violence have advocated more preventive measures towards eradicating the menace.

They made the call in Benin City at a 16 Days of Activism Stakeholders Dialogue, put together by a Non-Governmental organization, Caring Heart Initiative for Advocacy Development and Empowerment, CHIADE.

Various speakers at the forum tagged, “Unite, Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls” were of the view that it is always better to guide against Gender Based Violence rather than waiting for it to occur before taking action.

Speaking on the occasion, Acting Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Joy Ihensekhien observed that gender based violence – violence between a man, woman and children, is on the rise in society.

Represented by an official in the ministry, Mrs. Florence Nwanzor, the permanent secretary called on parents to be more vigilant and take care of their wards especially the girl child in view of the enormous responsibilities ahead of them.

She emphasized the need to guide against gender based violence though awareness campaign on its dangers in the conventional media, social media, educational institution and other public places.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Executive Director, Caring Heart Initiative for Advocacy Development and Empowerment, Mrs. Grace Ese Obakina, disclosed that the forum was organised as part of the global campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Welcoming participants to the event, the Executive Director observed that the organization has for over six years, be in the forefront in the fight against gender-based violence.

According to her, Caring Heart Initiative has sought to break the cycle of violence that threatens the lives, dignity and potential of women and girls, through advocacy, sensitization, education, empowerment, community engagement and policy review.

"Our journey has taken us to schools, churches, mosques, marketplaces, and community centers—spaces where we have fostered awareness and empowered individuals with the knowledge to identify, resist and prevent actions that lead to violence. These efforts have not only inform but have also ignited the courage within many to challenge and revisit harmful norms and practices,' she stated.

Mrs. Obakina urged participants to remember that the fight against gender-based violence is not just a campaign, but a movement and solicited their involvement in championing a world where women and girls live free from fear, harm and full of the potential to thrive.

Various speakers at the stakeholders dialogue including Ronke Ojeikhere, Bright Oniovokukor, Annie Umoru, Patience Okhuahesuni harped on the need for a more decisive action against human rights abuses.

They promised to adopt new strategies in the fight against gender based violence.

Hight point of the event was the signing of and affirmation to the pledge card for 16 days activism against Gender Based Violence.

The 16 Days of Activism Stakeholders Dialogue draws participants from NGOs, Civil Society, Academic, Civil/Public Service, Traditional Institution, Religious Institution and the media, among others.

The 16 Days of Activism is observed globally and it serves as a powerful reminder of the urgency to act, collaborate and invest in solutions that create safer and more inclusive environments.