The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, in partnership with the Oyo State government, has emphasized the need for stronger collaborations among civil society organizations, government agencies, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to address the growing issue of violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
The National President of AWLA Nigeria, Mrs. Caroline Ibharuneafe, made this call on Thursday during a market sensitization campaign against gender-based violence. This event coincided with the inauguration and swearing-in of the Oyo State branch executive members of AWLA Nigeria, held in Ibadan.
The market sensitization, organized at Scout Camp Market, Ibadan, was part of activities marking the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.” This annual campaign, observed from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day, aims to promote awareness and action against gender-based violence.
The theme of the 2024 edition, ‘Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women,’ urges individuals and women-focused organizations to join the fight against violence.
Ibharuneafe explained that the association conducted the market sensitization to spotlight the alarming rise in violence against women and children. She stated, “AWLA Nigeria is a non-partisan and non-political association whose mission and vision is to protect, promote and preserve the interest of women and children in the society.”
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Coordinator of AWLA, Mrs. Adebimpe Alex-Ndukwe, expressed the association’s commitment to offering free legal support and advice to women, children, and other vulnerable groups experiencing gender-based violence. She highlighted various forms of abuse, including economic violence, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, child labor, and discrimination.
Similarly, the Oyo State General Secretary of AWLA Nigeria, Mrs. Oluwaseun Folajuwon-Banjo, emphasized the importance of raising awareness, advocating for action, and addressing violence against women and girls wherever it occurs. She urged individuals, NGOs, grassroots organizations, and governments to work together to safeguard women and children.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Toyin Balogun, reaffirmed the current administration’s zero-tolerance policy for sexual and gender-based violence. She noted that many cases go unaddressed due to cultural and social beliefs.
Balogun expressed concern that some individuals who should support justice for victims often hinder the process by pleading on behalf of perpetrators. She assured the public that the ministry would collaborate with relevant government bodies to criminalize efforts to obstruct the prosecution of offenders.
“In the days ahead, we are going to embark on more advocacy campaigns and sensitization so that perpetrators would not have an excuse during prosecution,” she said. “The implications of sexual and gender-based violence go beyond physical abuse; it includes psychological trauma and spiritual elements of the trauma. The ministry, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has developed several creative interventions outside the old norm to meet the needs of survivors.”
Balogun commended AWLA Nigeria for its proactive efforts in supporting women and affirmed the government’s recognition of AWLA Nigeria as a credible and responsible organization. She promised stronger collaboration with the association to advance the interests of women in Oyo State.