The Ogun State House of Assembly says it is irrevocably committed to collaborating with organisations and interest groups including the civil society organizations and women’s rights advocates at enacting legislations that would help eradicate gender-based violence in the society.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, gave the assurance while playing hosts to a coalition of diverse group of women, including members of civil society organizations, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and other NGOs focusing on women and children led by the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
He promised that the House would domesticate human and gender-based rights laws passed at the International Legislative Dialogue Women and constitution Amendment recently held in Abuja.
Elemide noted that the current administration in the State had continually support the protection of women and girl child through relevant policies and programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the team which included the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, Mrs. Abiodun said that the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, was meant to sensitize the people against gender based violence.
She commended the Speaker for his unwavering support at protecting women and children’s rights in the State, while acknowledging the passage of the violence against persons prohibition law by the Assembly.
The first lady also appreciated the current administration in the State for its support through policies that protection of prioritise human lives, especially the women and girl child.
Mrs. Abiodun emphasized the importance of the 16 Days of Activism, highlighting the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of violence against women and girl child; calling on women and members of the State House of Assembly to advocate for more policies and programmes that would protect the rights of women and girls.
She expressed gratitude to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for his unwavering support for women’s rights and his approval and recent commissioning of the Sexual Assault Referral Center in Ijebu-Ode, a vital resource for the survivors of sexual assault, including the provision of physical, mental and legal service to victims.
