Ekiti Government vows to curb assault against women, girls

Ekiti State Government has vowed to put in place mechanisms for the enforcement of anti-Gender-Based Violence Laws. This is to ensure that women are not continually susceptible to domestic violence and ills of the society.

The News  Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, stated this in Ado Ekiti, while addressing a gathering after a street walk to commemorate 2021 16 days of activism of no violence against women and children.

Gov. Fayemi maintained that the enforcement of the laws is to ensure the sustainability of the fight against the menace and protect women’s and children’s rights.

“We have been campaigning against child rape, women assault and developed standard operative manual towards ensuring that gender-based violence is eradicated” he said.

The Governor challenged parents to raise their children in such a way that they have the understanding that all humanities are equal irrespective of their gender.

Chairperson, Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence Management committee and Governor’s Wife, Bisi Fayemi, reiterated the commitment of the team to relentless effort at nipping the scourge in the bud.

She threatened legal action against anyone caught indulging in rape, women assault and child molestation.

The Governor’s wife also sought the cooperation of Nigerians in the area of making sure that the perpetrators are exposed for necessary legal action.

Bisi Fayemi, however, expressed regret that despite various campaigns on the streets, schools, markets and town hall meetings, rape cases remain unabated which had made government to establish referral centers and places where such heinous crimes could be reported for anti-Gender based violence laws to take its course.

In their remarks, representatives of civil society organizations, corps members, among others, appealed to the society as well as the media professional to protect the image of the victims of sexual assaults to avoid stigmatisation.

Participants carried various placards with different inscriptions, like “Blame rapists for rape not women”, “we demand Gender Balance”, “Say no to violence against women”, among others.