…As Ogun steps up action against child sexual abuse
From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has stepped up actions against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and child sexual abuses. Gender Specialist, Mrs Ewajesu Fasina, disclosed: “GBV cases are on the rise. “The media as the watchdog of the society must do more to report and inform the society about the menace which has led to deaths, permanent physical injuries and psychological trauma on the survivors.”
She spoke at a workshop for journalists and media managers on the appropriate reporting of GBV in Abeokuta. It was in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, sponsored by the World Bank, with the theme was “Strengthening GBV Response Through Collaboration, Learning and Safeguarding Standards.”
The training was put together to expose journalists to rudiments of covering and reporting cases of GBV, particularly when the persons affected are minors. Fasina added: “The media as a stakeholder like health workers, security agencies and communities, have pivotal roles to play in the combat against GBV. A similar workshop was organised for the personnel of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, health workers and community development associations.
“Records from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, reveal that 28 per cent of Nigerian women aged between 25 and 29 have experienced some form of physical violence at age 15. Cases of GBV were underreported because many survivors refused to present themselves due to stigmatisation and name-calling by the community and law enforcement agents.
“GBV is more complex than it has been reported by the media. Journalists and media practitioners have the power to see all the angles of GBV cases, hence they must cover the angles including health, security and legal. Without journalists, we cannot win the battle.
“Journalists should focus more on the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act to back up their reports. Journalists have the power to ensure justice with the power of the pen or the power of the keyboard.
“Journalists have the opportunity to cover all angles – health, security and legal aspects of every story. Without the media and journalists, we cannot win the battle as you remain the only group of people with the bird’s-eye view.”
Damola Lapite spoke on top “Legal Framework for GBV Response: Reporting, Persecution and Survivors’ Rights.” He emphasised the need for confidentiality and consent to avoid traumatising survivors: “Journalists must always have in mind the importance of maintaining confidentiality and obtaining consent from survivors before reporting on GBV cases.
“The Federal Government is working towards eradicating GBV. However, more need to be done to address the issue effectively. Government’s efforts are commendable, but the enormity of the problem demands more comprehensive solutions.”
World Bank had through OGSTEP, Ministry of Women Affairs and WARDC, held a parliamentary dialogue on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Commission, Framework for Responsible and Inclusive Land-Intensive Agriculture (FRILIA) Bill and Gender Mainstreaming Frameworks for the House of Assembly members.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, explained that the dialogue was to advance legislative action on equity, social inclusion, gender-responsive governance and community rights in the state.
A communique at the end of the dialogue attended by stakeholders, government officials, civil society organizations, gender and human rights advocates, development partners, academics, security agencies, youth and women groups, religious and traditional institutions, persons with disabilities and media representatives, the House of Assembly said that it would take a legislative action to prioritise the passage of DEI Commission Bill and review the FRILIA draft bill for legislative adoption.
Stakeholders also advocated institutional strengthening, budgetary support and continued engagement, to implement the provisions of the bills when enacted.