Child abuse, violence, and discrimination against persons with disabilities are not only social issues but also an economic pandemic threatening the country’s developmental goals, according to Adijat Adeleye, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. Adeleye made this statement at a Parliamentary Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence, emphasizing the need for collective action to ensure justice for every woman and child.
The commissioner highlighted the importance of the proposed DEI Commission Bill, which comprises 45 sections aimed at promoting fairness, equal opportunity, and social justice. She stressed that legislative tools, including the Gender Mainstreaming Bill, the FRILIA Bill, and the VAPP Law, are essential for transformation and protection, guaranteeing the inclusion of under-represented groups in policymaking.
Adeleye emphasized that when a child is molested or a woman is silenced, a generation loses its voice, and when survivors cannot access justice, everyone becomes part of that silence. The ministry, she said, will continue to act as a bridge, ensuring that no child loses their innocence, no woman loses her dignity, and no family is broken by indifferent behavior.
Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, reinforced the importance of protecting the rights and privileges of all sexes, stating that gender-based violence affects not only women but also men. He cited instances where men were raped by women, highlighting the need for equal opportunities for all to grow economically and achieve their goals without facing ridicule or relegation.
The sponsor of the bill, Deputy Speaker of the House, Ajayi Lateefat, announced that the bill had passed its First Reading and aims to monitor, remove negative stereotypes, and provide guidance to institutions on how to treat everyone equally. Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, Project Coordinator of the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project, called for legislative support in enacting and funding initiatives to combat gender-based violence, including allocating funds for women development centers and technical school maintenance.
The event, noted Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founding Director of WARDC, was timely, given the high prevalence of gender-based violence in the state. The dialogue emphasized the need for collective action and legislative support to address these issues and promote a more inclusive and equitable society.
