The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a steering committee and a technical working group to tackle gender-based violence in the state.
The committee, which was announced on Wednesday, has been tasked with ensuring the effective and sustainable management of gender-related issues in the state.
The inauguration was part of the activities commemorating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, stated that the fight against female genital mutilation and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence is not an isolated struggle.
She added that these efforts go hand in hand with the need for economic empowerment and the rehabilitation of women and girls.
Balogun further emphasised that the fight is also part of a broader agenda to ensure equal access to economic opportunities for both genders, human rights protection, and social inclusion, as well as to build a society where gender-related issues are effectively and sustainably managed through the collaborative efforts of relevant stakeholders.
She explained that the committees are expected to foster effective and sustainable collaboration across all sectors and, within three months of their inauguration, develop a strategic, comprehensive, and results-driven roadmap for implementing the Oyo State Action Plan for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation between 2025 and 2030.
Balogun also stated that the committee is mandated to foster cross-sectoral policies to drive sustainable solutions.
She used the opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders to work collaboratively towards creating economic stability, safer spaces for women, and ending harmful cultural practices.
