- Reaffirms declaration on zero tolerance for GBV in Nigeria
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s declaration of zero tolerance to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
Prof Osinbajo who gave the assurance in Abuja during the official launch of the USAID Momentum Country and Global Leadership (MCGL) project, underscored the need to support GBV survivors by ensuring that they have access to safe, confidential, and professional medical care, life-saving support; support that will prevent further violence from occurring as well as other services that provide more dignity and comfort, including options for safety and psycho-social support.
The Vice President who was represented by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq beckoned on Donors and well-meaning Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to end gender-based violence across the country.
“A forum such as this is a clear indication of the need to further assess our journey so far, while also recommitting to tackling the menace which has become endemic in our society.
“I want to commend the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for supporting the launch of the USAID Momentum Country and Global Leadership (MCGL) project. As a Nation, we will continue to boldly condemn Gender-Based Violence (GBV), so long as it continues to impact negatively on survivors, victims, families, broader society, and economies of Nations.
“From available information, we are more than ever convinced that Gender-Based Violence is driven by structural inequalities and unequal power relations that render women subordinate to men, due to limited access to education, employment, finances, healthcare and opportunities to contribute to their families, communities and the nation’s economic growth.
“Our collective resolve to stamp out this evil from our society is our yardstick for supporting the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs as the National Machinery under the dynamic leadership of Dame Pauline K. Tallen OFR, KSG to address the menace from the angle of legislation, Advocacy, and Funding.
“A forum such as this is a clear indication of the need to further assess our journey so far, while also recommitting to tackling the menace which has become endemic in our society.
“I want to commend the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for supporting the launch of the USAID Momentum Country and Global Leadership (MCGL) project. As a Nation, we will continue to boldly condemn Gender-Based Violence (GBV), so long as it continues to impact negatively on survivors, victims, families, broader society, and economies of Nations.
“From available information, we are more than ever convinced that Gender-Based Violence is driven by structural inequalities and unequal power relations that render women subordinate to men, due to limited access to education, employment, finances, healthcare and opportunities to contribute to their families, communities and the nation’s economic growth.
“Our collective resolve to stamp out this evil from our society is our yardstick for supporting the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs as the National Machinery under the dynamic leadership of Dame Pauline K. Tallen OFR, KSG to address the menace from the angle of legislation, Advocacy, and Funding.
“The Committee is chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Honourable Minister of Justice and co-chaired by the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs based on Mr. President’s directives.
“In the same vein, Mr. President directed the Inspector-General of Police to deal with all perpetrators in furtherance of the declaration of Zero tolerance to Rape and other Gender-Based Violence, as well as constant engagement with the Police on the need to promptly address issues of Gender-Based Violence,” he noted.
While acknowledging the Inter-Ministerial collaboration on the implementation of various policies and programmes, the Vice President observed that the declaration of Zero Tolerance to Rape and other forms of Gender-Based Violence, including Harmful Traditional Practices is a giant stride and a step in the right direction in fighting Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.
“I am happy that this has led to a synergy between all stakeholders in the country in the joint crusade across sectors.
“To the survivors of GBV, all hands must be on deck to ensure that they: have access to safe, confidential and professional medical care; access to life-saving support; access to support that will prevent further violence from occurring; access to other services that provide more dignity and comfort, including options for safety and psychosocial support.
“As partners united in this struggle, we have to work together to ensure a safer society for women, girls, and the vulnerable in society. No time is more appropriate than now.
“While we thank USAID for the laudable efforts, we call on other donors and well-meaning Nigerians to support this course of ending GBV in Nigeria. Finally, I strongly reaffirm the Federal Government’s declaration to Zero Tolerance to Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria and I raise a RED CARD to all perpetrators,” he said.
By Kehinde Akintola,
Nigerian Tribune