The Federal Government Nigeria has solicited the collaboration of the Nigerian Media on the on-going nationwide campaign against Female Gender Mutilation, child abuse, Sexual and Gender Based Violence, Girls Child trafficking and other crimes against the female gender.
Speaking while playing host to a delegation from the Guild of Newspaper Editors FCT Chapter, the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye spoke extensively on the relevant role of the media towards addressing these anomalies which has depleted the self-esteem and morale of the female gender in Nigeria.
She added that Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is a grave violation of human rights that encompasses a range of harmful acts targeting individuals regardless of age, gender, or social status. “It encompasses a range of harmful behaviors and practices that are rooted in unequal power dynamics, harmful social norms, and gender discrimination. SGBV is a violation of human rights and poses significant physical, psychological, and emotional consequences for survivors and occurs in various contexts, including schools, workplaces, homes, and communities” she added..
According to the Honorable Minister,
“I have received the endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to work with other relevant government agencies to address these ugly trends such as the female gender mutilation and other violations against the female gender. The Attorney-General of the Federation and the State Governors’ Forum are solidly behind this push to restore the dignity of the Women and girls in our society”, she said.
Continuing, Barr Uju outlined the four steps deliberately mapped out to ensure success of the campaign which she tagged the 4 Ps: Persuasion, Policing, Punishment and Protection. She stated that the campaign modalities include use of coordinated community-based sensitization, media engagement and support of opinion leaders to carry out comprehensive sex education and awareness campaigns, community-based monitoring and reporting of cases, investigation and prosecution of offenders through Mobile Courts and provision of protection for victims of SGBV by creating safe and supportive environments where survivors of SGBV can access temporary shelter, counseling, medical care, legal assistance. Trauma-informed counseling, medical treatment and empowerment in the form of training and skill development programs to survivors, helping them regain their confidence, financial independence, and overall well-being.
Responding, the leader of the delegation of Newspaper Editors, Dr. Iyabosa Uwugiaren from This Day Newspaper commended the Minister for her forthright and detailed road map towards improving on the wellbeing of women and girls in the society and pledged the support of the media in her resolve to change the narrative.
Other Newspaper Editors at the meeting include Mr. Soni Daniel of Vanguard Newspaper, Hamza Idris from Daily Trust, Mr. Igho Akeregha who is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Ekele Agbo from Leadership and the Publisher of Day Break Nigeria, Dr. Austin Maho.
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