FIDA charges govt on proper implementation of GBV laws

The International Federation of Women Lawyers has urged governments at all levels to step up efforts to ensure the proper implementation of gender-based laws.

The Chairperson of FIDA Ekiti State, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, made the call in response to concerns among women lawyers regarding the increasing incidents of gender-based violence in the state.

Olowoyo-Richards made this appeal in Ado Ekiti on Saturday during a two-day Annual Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on the Implementation/Status of Gender-Sensitive Legislation and Frameworks for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls, organized by FIDA Nigeria in collaboration with the Ford Foundation.

“We know that there are many laws enacted by the state government to prevent gender-based violence in Ekiti State. For instance, the Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2019 is one of the laws we implement in Ekiti State, but more needs to be done. We have the laws, but implementation remains a challenge.

“As FIDA, we are making every effort to ensure these laws are enforced and implemented. The state Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing some laws, including those concerning children’s rights and other GBV-related legislation that need to be updated.

“We will collaborate with the Ministry of Justice and submit our recommendations to ensure that existing gaps are addressed and the laws are properly implemented,” Olowoyo-Richards said.

She also called for an end to the culture of silence among victims of gender-based violence and advocated for the creation of gender units within relevant government agencies where such cases can be reported.