By Ayodele Oni
Nigeria Governors wives have pledged renewed efforts at ensuring adequate facilities and resources exit for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country.
The First Ladies of the 36 States made the pledge in a communique issued Thursday to mark the first anniversary of the declaration of State of Emergency against GBV in Nigeria.
The Communique was signed by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors Wives Forum, Mrs. Olabisi Fayemi, the First Lady of Ekiti.
The first ladies expressed satisfaction that the expedited action promised by the Governors and the advocacy efforts of Governors’ Wives, yielded significant results.
“In June 2020, only fourteen States had domesticated the VAPP Act. As of June 2021, 27 States (including the FCT) have passed the law. There are several other States where their legislation is at advanced stages and we are assured that more States will join before the end of 2021.
Other areas of achievements, according to the communique are
“As governors’ Wives, we have also been able to achieve the following over the past one year:
“The number of Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) as well as shelters for women and their children have increased across the country, mostly due to the efforts of Governors’ Wives.
“Provision of economic empowerment opportunities for women in grassroots communities to reduce their vulnerability, and advocacy for Girl-Child education.
“Collaboration and partnerships with women’s rights and civil society organisations. Production and dissemination of advocacy videos and radio programs in various languages.
“Capacity building and learning Webinars for Governors’ Wives and their Staff teams, and the production of a GBV Resource Manual.
“While we are thankful that we have been able to work successfully to bring about the above results, we are mindful that the crisis of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence continues to ravage our communities and country as a whole. We all need to do more.
“As mothers, we are also deeply concerned about rising tensions and insecurity in the country. We therefore commit to the following:
“Ceaseless prayers for our husbands, political leaders and security chiefs, as we urge them to find a lasting solution to the current security challenges in the country.
“We thank HE Dr Aisha Buhari, First Lady of Nigeria for her encouragement and support at all times.
“During a recent visit to her, she charged us to stay focused and determined in our efforts to mitigate GBV and provide succour to women and children. We accept this charge and we will not relent in our endeavours.”
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