Stop Violence Against Women — Osun Deputy Gov

Osun State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with British Department for International Development (DFID), on 27 October 2011, held a workshop on Violence Against Women (VAW) in Osogbo, the state capital.

In her opening remarks the Deputy-Governor, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, represented by Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. M. Adegboyega, estimated that one in every five women faces some form of violence in her lifetime, in some cases leading to serious injury or death and Nigeria cannot develop when half of its population is subject to unchecked abuse.

In a goodwill message, Sina Fagbenro-Byron, of DFID pointed out that there is connection between (MDGs) and VAW, especially Goals 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women; 4: Reduce Child Mortality   and 5: Improve Maternal Health.

Resource persons led by Prof. Oluyemisi Obilade of the Obafemi Awolowo University spoke on managing violence against women, strongly recommending capacity building and adoption of a gender policy for the Nigeria Police and state social workers; setting up a specialised police unit to handle VAW; more serious sanctions for offenders and domestication of the Child Rights Act and the Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women. Mr. Biodun Oyeleye provided statistical evidence in support while  Dr C.J Ayodele spoke on the socio-economic and cultural conditions that inhibit women, calling on traditional rulers to spearhead cultural changes to stop the VAW. Mrs.Adeyinka Adefope suggested more positive role-modelling through Nollywood and support of the press.

A communiqué was read by Mrs.Funmilayo Williams, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs . Attendance included women leaders from various political parties, the Iyaloja of Osogbo,  women leaders, the Nigeria Police, Civil Defence and other stakeholders.