In a concerted effort to eradicate societal norms that fuel Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has announced plans to collaborate with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) and other relevant government agencies. The initiative aims to establish mobile courts for the swift trial of individuals engaged in such acts and the subsequent punishment of offenders.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, revealed this development during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. The disclosure was made as part of the ongoing 16 days of Activism, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized that the operational mobile courts would ensure the prompt arrest, prosecution, and punishment of those involved in heinous acts of GBV, serving as a deterrent to potential offenders.
Furthermore, the Ministry, under Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye’s leadership, intends to intensify public enlightenment campaigns. The focus will be on raising awareness among women, particularly in rural and remote areas, regarding the zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence. The Ministry plans to engage whistleblowers to report any instances of child molestation or GBV in various communities.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to developing additional strategies to eliminate Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria, the Minister urged parents to closely monitor their children and wards. The call stems from the recognition that vigilant observation of mood and expression changes could be crucial in identifying potential victims, prompting immediate action by relevant agencies.
In her appeal for support, the Minister urged relevant government agencies and development partners to collaborate with the Ministry in the collective effort to fight and eliminate all forms of GBV in the country.
Prior to the Minister’s announcement, Mr. Matthias Schmale, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, emphasized the need for the Federal Government to increase gender-responsive budgeting. He also called for the development of strategies to eliminate societal norms contributing to Gender-Based Violence. Mr. Schmale noted that empowering women to be self-reliant and entrepreneurial could significantly contribute to curbing the widespread attacks on women and children perpetrated by GBV offenders in the country.