Alao Abiodun
THE International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Oyo State has solicited support to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Chairperson Mrs. Oluyemisi Collins spoke when the association visited the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Amidat Agboola.
According to Collins, there was a surge in violence and abuse of women prior to the which criminalises it.
The situation, she lamented, hasn’t changed as expected since the law came to bear because factors, such as case withdrawal by victims’ families, and the dearth of data, often stand in the way of justice.
She said: “We have been working with key stakeholders in this campaign agaisnt SGBV, including Office of the governor’s wife, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), National Council of Women Societies/NGOS, Association of women with disability among others.
“But despite efforts, justice often elude most women because the evidence needed to prosecute such issues are not always there.”
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Mrs. Agboola hailed FIDA for sensitising people on their rights.
She said most women are going through a lot in their marriages.
“We, women, pretend a lot and because people cannot know what is happening with most of us, we keep pretending. But we have a lot to do.
“The sensitisation should be in the market, religious centres and associations. We should let every woman know that she has a right to prosecute anyone who violates and abuse,” she said.
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