A coalition of civil society organizations, NGOs, human rights activists, and stakeholders in Osun State has launched a public awareness campaign to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women and girls.
The initiative, organized under the Movement Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Osun State, commenced on Monday with a roadshow targeting marketplaces, as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
This global campaign, themed “End Violence Against Women and Girls, Break the Silence”, aims to challenge violence against women and girls while encouraging communities to take action.
Marketplaces Sensitization
Led by the movement’s coordinator, Citizen Lola Wey, the group visited Igbona Market to engage traders on the importance of protecting women and girls from abuse. Addressing the audience, Mrs. Funmilayo Abdullahi, one of the campaign leaders, urged parents to prioritize raising well-rounded children and emphasized the need for equal training opportunities for both boys and girls.
“Parents must ensure boys learn domestic responsibilities, just like girls, to prevent them from developing violent tendencies toward women,” Abdullahi said.
Appeal to Traditional Leaders
The movement extended its advocacy to the traditional institution, visiting the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun. At the palace, Citizen Lola Wey called on the monarch to leverage his influence to address the growing issue of gender-based violence in Osun.
“We urge the traditional institution to be actively involved in combating gender-based violence, as their leadership is crucial in changing societal norms,” Wey said.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to fighting SGBV and called on all stakeholders to join the campaign to ensure safer communities for women and girls.