A group, GoldHeart Foundation has embarked on a walk against Gender-Based-Violence in Ijero-Ekiti to sensitize members of the public.
The event is in collaboration with the National Association of Social Work Students (Ijero-Ekiti Chapter of the College of Health Sciences and Technology), Olive Grange Foundation, and VictoriaBen Foundation.
According to the organizers, the event commemorated the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, themed “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
The initiative began with a sensitization session for over 100 students from the College of Health Sciences and Technology, focusing on the concept of gender-based violence and reporting pathways.
Speaking at the event, Moyinoluwa Ogundowole, Executive Director of GoldHeart Foundation, emphasized the importance of student involvement in combating school-related gender-based violence, underscoring that unity is essential to ending violence against women and girls.
Following the sensitization, participants took to the streets, engaging the Ijero community through door-to-door outreach and visits to key locations such as markets and transport hubs.
Mrs. Tolu Ayo-Awe, Head of the Social Work Department at the College, highlighted the significance of this activism for social work students, noting it helps them apply classroom knowledge to real-world issues.
Also, Nifemi Ayoola, Executive Director of The BoyThrive Initiative, reminded the participants that addressing violence against women and girls is a collective human responsibility that requires the active participation of all genders.
Similarly, Dr. Aderonke Oshungbohun, team lead of Olive Grange Foundation, stressed the importance of a safe and supportive environment for children to heal from trauma.
Also, Folayemi Ayodele, Director of VictoriaBen Foundation, urged everyone to contribute effectively to the fight against gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for collective action.
The walk concluded at the Ajero of Ijero palace, where Olayiwola Falodun, Baade of Ijero-Ekiti, reaffirmed the traditional ruler’s stance against all forms of violence, stating that justice is ensured and appropriate authorities are involved in reported cases.
