Reps Protest To Police Headquarters,Seek End To Violence Against Women

3 months ago
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Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The House of Representatives on Monday staged a march from the National Assembly Complex to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters,seeking an end to all forms of violence against women.

 

 

 

 

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas,led the march,which also brought together federal lawmakers, women from diverse sectors, and youth groups.

 

 

 

 

Speaking,Speaker Abbas lamented the alarming global rate of violence against women, noting that one woman dies every ten seconds due to violence worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

“This year’s program comes at a time when women around the world are crying out in pain, anger, and frustration. The United Nations has issued a stark report revealing that, on average, a woman is killed every ten minutes globally.”

 

 

 

 

 

“This growing trend is both unacceptable and unforgivable. As members of Parliament, we must stand united, more than ever before, alongside relevant authorities, especially law enforcement, to combat this dangerous issue and reduce it to the barest minimum.

 

 

 

 

“I want to make it absolutely clear: the National Assembly is fully committed to taking every possible step to ensure that all forms of violence against women and girls are drastically reduced, and ultimately, completely eradicated in the near future,” he emphasized.

 

 

 

 

 

He promised that the National Assembly, with particular emphasis on the House of Representatives, will take a proactive role in the upcoming National Action Plan Against Violence Against Women.

 

 

 

 

 

He added:”We will ensure our full participation by sending representatives and actively engaging in the process to ensure that strong policies are enacted to significantly reduce all forms of violence against women, children, and girls.”

 

 

 

 

 

Also speaking,the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, emphasized that one in three women worldwide are victims of gender-based violence.

 

 

 

 

She implored law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts in ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women are swiftly brought to justice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

She said: “We demand justice for all women. We will not tolerate lecturers exploiting students with threats of failure unless they comply. We reject the abuse of power by employers who harass their staff, threatening to fire them if they do not submit. We say no to all forms of gender-based violence and exploitation.”

 

 

 

 

 

“We say no to all forms of violence against our children, our girls. Fathers raping daughters,  uncles raping children and boys raping girls must stop, ” Mrs Ogbara said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

At the Police Headquarters,Mrs Ogbara said, “We are here this morning to present a petition for immediate intervention, investigation and prosecution on gender-based violence to the Inspector General of Pollice.

 

 

 

“We are urging you to take immediate action against gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism.”

 

 

 

 

This call was made in a petition received by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who expressed his commitment to thoroughly review the recommendations and take appropriate steps toward their implementation.

 

 

 

 

Expressing gratitude to the organizers, the police chief reiterated the readiness of the Force to eradicate all forms of violence against women, emphasizing their dedication to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring justice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a statement, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, emphasized that eradicating gender-based violence requires a collective effort from all sectors of society.

 

 

 

He said:”It is not only through law enforcement actions that we can eliminate gender-based violence. It is a shared responsibility that involves each and every one of us.”

 

 

 

 

 

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the importance of collaboration between Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in drastically reducing violence against women in Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

He expressed optimism that with concerted efforts,significant progress could be made toward achieving the goal.

 

 

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