A non governmental Organization, Gender Development Initiative (GenDi), with other global partners have raised awareness to combat gender based violence and protection of vulnerable women in the society.
GenDi and other support groups who raised the awareness while sensitizing market women at Kuto Market, in Abeokuta highlighted dangers associated with Gender based violence, advising both men and women to always engage in dialogue to settle issues.
Led by Professor Olubunmi Ashimolowo, Executive Director of GenDi, the event raises public awareness about the devastating impact of gender-based violence, a component of The Women of Concern Professionals & Strategic Conscious Networking (WOCPSCN), founded by Dr. L. Green-Williams, a cultural anthropologist with over four decades in advocacy.
Dr. Green-Williams, deeply affected by the tragic loss of her daughter to domestic violence, established the network to combat abuse and support survivors worldwide.
Through her initiative, she created the annual ‘Walking in Silence for the Silenced’ walk to honor victims and spread awareness, with proceeds from her book supporting these advocacy efforts.
Tagged, “‘Walking in Silence’,
GenDi alongside other groups such as National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Community Education Advancement of Peace and Development Initiative (CEAPDI), 100 Women Lobby Group (100 WLG), Association for the Promotion of Community Health and Women and Girls Rights, Rural Women Studies Association (RWSA).
Other groups that supported the awareness are JESA Foundation, Building Leaders Empowerment Initiative, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Initiative for Peace and Comfort (IPC), Child Protection Network (CPN), and Cooperative Women (LEME) and many others.
Speaking during the event, Professor Ashmilowo emphasized that the ‘Walking in Silence for the Silenced’ event, inspired by Dr. Green-Williams, honors those affected by abuse and aims to challenge the culture of silence that often surrounds gender-based violence globally.
She said the walk was a symbolic gesture to highlight the often-hidden suffering of gender-based violence victims, underscoring that silence itself is part of the issue.
She emphasized the global nature of this effort and the need for collective action against GBV.
Also speaking, Mr. Adefolahan, Executive Director of CEAPDI, addressed the male audience, encouraging them to play active roles in preventing gender-based violence.
He urged men to embrace alternative methods to resolve marital disputes, urging men to avoid physical violence due to its detrimental impact on family well-being.
Also JESA Foundation also spoke to the crowd, detailing the adverse effects of gender-based violence and encouraging proactive measures to safeguard the dignity of women and children.
A representative from NAPTIP also spoke on the dangers of human trafficking, especially concerning women and children, and informed the public about the legal penalties for offenders.
She advised marketgoers to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases of trafficking to authorities.
In her reaction, the Iyaloja of Kuto Market, Alhaja Isiwatu Akanke Adewuyi, expressed her concerns over the prevalence of gender-based violence within the community.
She assured the organization that perpetrators caught within the market jurisdiction would face serious consequences
During the program, volunteers and representatives silently walked through the market holding banners and placards advocating for gender equity and raising awareness about gender-based violence.
