Victoria Mgbanwa
The Kogi State Government has disclosed
that gender based violence will soon be a thing of the past in the state.
The Director, Planning Research and Strategy Kogi state Ministry of women Affairs Mr Inah Husseni stated this at a stakeholders’ engagement workshop on sexual exploitation and abuse/gender based violence.
The program is organised by the Nigeria Covid-19 preparedness and response project for members of the Kogi State Technical Working Group on GBV.
“The Kogi State Government has put much effort to end sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment and all forms of gender based violence. There is currently a law in the state whereby any one caught in this wicked act will be made to face the full weight of the law.”
“The government has continued to engage religious leaders, traditional rulers, key stakeholders to support the campaign of the government in putting an end to sexual abuse and all forms of gender based violence in Kogi State.
He further noted that it is important to create safe and respectful communities.
“By adhering to international standards, national legislation, and organisational policies, the Kogi State Technical work group can create a safe and respectful working environment for all team members.
“Through continuous training, awareness-raising, and proactive measures, the Kogi State Technical work group can mitigate risk.
The Kogi State Coordinator, Association for Orphan and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria, Helen Henry, also stated that gender-based violence contributes to a lot of harmful behaviours, including physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse, that disproportionately affect individuals based on their gender identity or expression.