The Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in partnership with BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, has convened stakeholders to strengthen policy implementation and improve prevention and response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across the state.
The one-day stakeholders’ consultation, held at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Benin City, brought together representatives of government ministries, security agencies, the health and justice sectors, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to identify implementation gaps and develop practical strategies for protecting survivors and improving access to justice.
Speaking at the meeting, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady and Chairperson, Edo State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo-Anani, called for stronger stakeholder collaboration, effective enforcement of existing laws, and the establishment of additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres to improve access to support services.
Mrs. Anani stressed that addressing SGBV requires collective commitment to prevention, protection, justice and compassionate care for survivors. She highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce GBV clubs in schools to educate children on personal safety, boundaries and respect, while urging parents, traditional rulers and religious leaders to challenge harmful practices and social norms that encourage violence.
She noted that existing referral centres in Benin City and Uromi provide support for survivors, while plans are underway to establish another centre in Edo North. She also commended RoLAC for supporting the ongoing review of the Edo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, said the consultation was designed to assess existing interventions, identify gaps and generate recommendations to strengthen the implementation of policies and laws against SGBV.
Hon. Abdallah emphasised the need for coordinated action among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, the justice sector and community leaders, stressing that policies must translate into practical protection and access to justice across the state’s 18 local government areas. She commended BraveHeart Initiative and RoLAC for their partnership in advancing the fight against gender-based violence.
In their separate contributions, representatives of the Commissioners for Justice and Health, Mrs. Omage Dimowo and Dr. Paul Eighemwenrio, respectively, underscored the importance of effective law enforcement, prompt prosecution, adequate medical care, psychosocial support and confidential, survivor-centred services.
The Justice Ministry representative highlighted the development of prosecutorial guidelines for SGBV cases to promote professionalism and consistency, while the Health Ministry representative stressed the need for adequate funding, capacity building and improved referral systems. The representative of the Commissioner of Police, DCP Musa Bulus, reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to collaborating with relevant institutions to strengthen enforcement and ensure accountability.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women, Chief Priscilla Usiobaifo, described the consultation as a technical strategy session, urging stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the VAPP Law and contribute practical recommendations to improve its implementation.
In a goodwill message, the RoLAC State Coordinator, Uche Nwokedi, reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration among stakeholders in strengthening the state’s response to SGBV. Imonitie Omokhodion of RoLAC subsequently presented an overview of the Edo State VAPP Law, 2021, and the ongoing review process, highlighting the importance of identifyin
