In a bid to eliminate the practices of Gender-Based Violence, the Internationa Federation of Women Lawyers , FIDA has called for stronger community-driven initiatives to eliminate Gender Based Violence and promote gender justice across Ekiti state.
The National Vice President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers FIDA Nigeria, Eliana Martins, made the call in Ado-Ekiti at a 2-day meeting on Shared Learning Forum for Local Gatekeepers on Gender-Based Violence with the theme ‘ From Experience to Impact: Strengthening GBV Prevention Through Shared Learning’ .
She noted that the meeting enabled the organisation to document success stories, share lessons learned, and identify areas for improvement towards completely eradicating GBV in society.
According to her, FIDA Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender justice and ending all forms of GBV through sustained collaboration among traditional, religious, and government leaders.
She noted that the forum aimed to assess progress, strengthen networks, and sustain both community and state-level actions against GBV, while encouraging leaders to serve as custodians of knowledge and agents of change in their various communities.
Also, speaking at the event, the Chairperson of FIDA Ekiti State Chapter, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, explained that the forum formed part of FIDA’s broader efforts to deepen conversations with traditional, cultural, and religious leaders, in order to foster inclusive approaches to addressing gender inequality and violence, strengthen grassroots mechanisms, and advance gender justice in Ekiti state .
She noted that the engagement and sharing of lessons on GBV are crucial to deepening public awareness and advancing justice and accountability in the state.
Ewi of Ado-Ekiti,represented by the Ejemu of Ado-Ekiti, Chief Sola Olarewaju commended Fida for it effort in eliminating GBV and urged participants to spread awareness on GBV prevention strategies in their various communities
The forum brought together key stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders, representatives from the Ministry of Justice, government officials, civil society organisations, and security agencies, with support from the Ford Foundation.
Two participants, the secretary of Christian council Nigeria , EKiti state chapter, Adeniyi and the president supreme council for Islamic affairs, Ekiti state chapter, Almed Bakare pledged to increase teaching and raise awareness on GBV among their respective religious groups
