…seeks stakeholders support to address the identified gaps
The Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) has identified adverse social norms that are hindering the smooth implementation of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) policies in Ekiti State.
These norms were uncovered during community listening sessions conducted across the state’s 16 local governments.
According to Omowumi Ogunrotimi, Executive Lead of GMI, some of these norms include cultural, religious, and preferential practices that silence victims and embolden perpetrators, thereby encouraging GBV.
She said: “The Child’s Rights Act provides access to education for all children, but in Ekiti, some families still prefer to relegate the girl child to the background, prioritizing domestic work over education.
She also highlighted cases where women are subjected to harmful practices to prove ownership of a pregnancy.
Ogunrotimi emphasized the need for stakeholders’ support to tackle these harmful norms.
In a keynote address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN), commended GMI for the program.
Apata, represented by his Special Assistant, Shirley Atane, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending GBV under Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, stated that 68% of Ekiti women experience GBV before age 25, with only 1 in 10 cases reaching formal justice systems.
She emphasized the need for concerted efforts to strengthen enforcement programs against GBV, noting that social norms often perpetuate harmful practices that demean and devalue women.
The program Manager with Gender Mobile Initiative, Mariam Mutar Ali said the findings from the GAP analysis would be used to run advocacies towards achieving improved success in the fight against GBV.
Other stakeholders concurred with GMI’s findings and urged the government to create more awareness to address these norms.
