FROM IKHILI EBALU , BENIN CITY
Forum of Nigeria Women in Politics, FONWIP, has called on civil society organisations to hold nations accountable on clear benchmark of progress, stronger laws, full implementation of those laws, organise violence prevention programmes and give trainings to law enforcement agents, judges, lawyers, health care professionals, as well as survivor services to prevent violence against women and girls.
The call was made by Deaconess Florence Igbinigie during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence/International Human Rights Day 2024 stakeholders dialogue with the theme, ‘Towards Beijing +30 Unite to end violence against women and girls,’ organised by FONWIP in Benin City, Edo State.
According to Igbinigie, who was represented by Mrs Joy Adodo, there is the need to support and advocate for government and the United Nations on the every woman treaty optional protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW.
She urged participants to challenge social norms, eliminate structural gender inequalities, stereotypes and myths that will encourage a stronger and autonomous feminist movement to drive policy change, demand stronger accountability from law enforcement agencies and government.
She highlighted the United Nations secretary-gneral’s global call on the need to unite, increase awareness, intensify advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to end gender based violence against women and girls.
She stated that this year’s theme is apt, as the world approaches the 30th anniversary to review the implementation of the Beijing declaration and platform for action, following the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, summit for accelerated progress towards achieving the 2030 Agenda.
“As a civil society organisation, FONWIP supports survivors of domestic violence and widows with interest free revolving loans to boost their businesses and increase their economic value. They also give temporary shelter where the need arises,” she said.
Representative of the Permanent Secretary,.Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Nwaozor Florence, who was the chair of the event, commended FONWIP for organising the dialogue on how to eliminate gender based violence on women and girls.
There were goodwill messages from the Ministry of Communications and Orientation, Medical Women Association, National Orientation Agency, Nigeria Union of Journalists and Girls Guild.
