Follow Us on Google
From TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Young Lawyers Forum, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has entered into partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to combat sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
The forum indicated its willingness in a letter addressed to Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, acknowledging her earlier request for the collaboration which she made at a recent summit organized by the young lawyers in Port Harcourt.
Chairman, NBA-Young Lawyers Forum, Port Harcourt, Victor Enebeli, who signed the letter to the Women Affairs minister, expressed optimism that the partnership would be important in tackling the vices in workplaces.
According to him, sexual harrasment and gender-based violence are a big challenge to the society and impinge on fundamental rights of individuals, particularly female.
He said: “I am writing to express our fervent commitment and utmost willingnes to partner with the Ministry of Women Affairs in the noble fight against sexual harrasment and gender-based violence.
“We fully comprehend that sexual harrasment and gender-based violence pose significant challenges to our society, compromising the well-being, dignity and fundamental rights of countless individuals, particularly women.
“These unjust practices not only instill fear and perpetuate inequalities, but also hinder the progress and development of our nation. It is, therefore, imperative that we collectively work towards eradicating such offences and fostering a safer, more inclusive society.
“We firmly believe that a partnership between the Young Lawyers Forum, Port Harcourt and the Ministry of Women Affairs would be a powerful alliance in this crucial battle. By combining the Ministry’s extensive knowledge and experience in promoting women’s rights with the YLF’s legal acumen and advocay skills, we can effectively develop and implement comprehensive strategies to address these issues at both systemic and grassroots levels.”
According to Enebeli, “Our proposed partnership would encompass a range of collaborative initiatives, which included conducting public awareness campaigns to educate communities in the detrimental consequences of sexual harrasment and gender-based violence while also promoting safe spaces for victims to come forward.”
Another point us “advocating for improved victim assistance services such as dedicated helplines, counselling centres, and legal aid clinics to provide comprehensive support to victims of sexual harrasment and gender-based violence.”
The forum noted: “We are fully aware of the challenges we may face in this endeavour. But, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering positive change. By uniting our efforts, resources and expertise, we firmly believe we can make meaningful strides towards a society that is free from sexual harrasment and gender-based violence.”
