Makinde Inaugurates committees for sustainable management of gender related issues to commemorate INT’L DAY of Zero tolerance for FGM

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Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has inaugurated a Steering Committee and Technical Working Committee to effectively and sustainably manage all Gender-Related issues inclusive of all forms of SGBV, empowerment and rehabilitation of survivors and indigent members of the female demographic in the state.

The committees were inaugurated on Wednesday during the commemoration of the International Day of Zero tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation held at the Local Government Service Commission Staff Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Inaugurating the committees, His Excellency Governor Makinde, represented by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, stated that one of the mandates the platform is saddled with is development and implementation of programmes and policies for the prevention of gender-based violence in Oyo state.

The Head of Service while inaugurating the Steering Committee,charged them on “the rehabilitation of persons who still fall victim of gender-based violence despite all the preventive measures”.

She said Gender Based Violence is a critical issue that affects individuals and communities across the globe, adding that this problem transcends borders, cultures and socioeconomic status, negatively impacting the lives of countless individuals over the years.
Mrs. Oni called for an all-inclusive and sustained crusade to stem the tide of domestic violence, sexual abuse, female genital mutilation, public harassment, among other forms of violence against women in the society.

The Head of Service said “this violent behaviour has eaten deep into the fabric of the society, adding that it cuts across most human societies, irrespective of gender.”

In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun stated that it is imperative to put in place State Steering and Technical Working committees that will work in collaboration with Ministry of Women Affairs to put an end to GBV and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which is a significant aspect of GBV.

While inaugurating the Technical Wirking Group, the Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion stressed the recognition of the collective responsibilities of various ministries, Departments and agencies of government which posses intersectionality with her ministry in the handling and resolution of gender related issue as a critical ingredient for sustainability and effectiveness of such interventions , this recognition being the motivation and inspiration for this bold and strategic move by her ministry .

Speaking further, during the inauguration, Mrs. Balogun charged and enjoined both committees to work with the highest sense of responsibility and commitment in order to end gender-based violence in Oyo state, pursuant to the operational policy thrust of the Ministry

The committees’ terms of reference are also to “conduct public awareness campaigns on reporting cases of gender-based violence; provide for the rehabilitation and promotion of the welfare of victims, and develop a gender-based violence prevention sustainable plan for the state among other terms.

The first assignment of the committees was to come up with a Strategic, Sustainable and Robust State Action Plan for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation from Oyo State between now and 2030

The Commisioner Hon( Mrs) Balogun also charged members of the Steering Committee to ensure to appoint Gender Focal Officers in each Stakeholder MDA who will serve as a Focal point for coordination of collaborative interventions in the interest of the female demographic of the state going forward

She also intimated the August gathering that this initiative will also be trickled down/domesticated to all the 33 Local governments of the state to ensure sustainability

Members of the 20-man Steering Committee chaired by the Commissioner for Women Affairs & Social Inclusion include: the Commissioners of Health,Finance, Justice, Agriculture, Information and Orientation, Commerce & Industry, Education, Budget & Planning, Local Govt & Chieftaincy Matters ,Chairman House Committee for Women Affairs & Social Development,state Commissioner of Police and the DG of the Agency for the Physically Challenged among others

Some members of the Technical Working Group include reps from ministries indicated above; Comptroller of Immigration services; State Commander, NAPTIP, 55 members of the Technical Working Group committee, Media organisations and other stakeholders.

The Zonal Director of UNICEF Denise Onoise and the State representative of the UNFPA were voluble in expressing their excitement at the development

They expressed their commendation of the State Governor His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde and the Commissioner for Women Affairs for demonstrating remarkable commitment and force of political will towards advancing the welfare of the female demographic in the state

They then reiterated their commitment to supporting the state government in its evident goal towards creating safe spaces and economic empowerment for women