KW-SAPZ: Govt. Reiterates Zero Tolerance for GBV

....advocates reinforcement of referral mechanisms

In its resolve to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with the aim of ensuring victims/survivors are not left behind, the Kwara State Government has again reiterated zero tolerance for the scourge of GBV thereby urging survivors to report cases of abuse to appropriate channels.

The Coordinator, Kwara State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ ) Project, Engr.Dr Busari Toyin Isiaka, dropped the hint while addressing residents in the various communities of the KW-SAPZ Project across Ifelodun, Baruteen, Asa, Kaiama and Moro Local Government Areas of the State during a workshop titled "Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence for Project Communities and Civil Workers."

Busari observed that gender-based violence, which could be physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse, has constituted a threat to the well-being of the victim and that it is a great violation of human right.

Represented by the Gender and Social Safeguard Officer, Kwara Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ ) Project, Mrs. Kuburat Shola Agunbiade, the Coordinator stressed the need to battle the menace of whatever abuse, adding that adequate awareness on preventing and responding to Gender-Based Violence will checkmate the incidence of the crime.

He further commended the State Government for her commitment at strengthening mechanisms for curtailing gender-based violence, saying that this consciousness is in accordance with the Gender and Social Safeguard element of the SAPZ Project.

"The survivors of gender-based violence deserves a lifeline from the government. For the fact that the SAPZ Project gives consideration for women and youths who are possible victims of this violence, the present administration will therefore ensure that these categories of citizens are free from any form of assault", the coordinator affirmed.

He then called the participants’ attention to referral mechanisms, which, he said, should be reinforced, to properly deal with incidence of gender-based violence, identifying Security Agencies; Media; Ministry of Women Affairs; Ministry of Social Development; SAPZ Project's Gender and Social Safeguard Officer; Representatives of Legal Practitioners; Human Rights Commission and others as points of referral.

All the Gender-Based Officers and Social Workers speaking in the different communities advocated the importance of understanding the referral protocol, to get compassionate and confidential care, emphasizing the need to enhance the capacity of actors fighting Gender-Based Violence.

Participants at the workshop were very much appreciative of the State Government for initiating the project, adding that the programme was timely and that the sensitization would go a long way to re-define the perspective of the villagers on issues at stake.

Recall that Kwara SAPZ Project is an initiative expected to improve livelihood, reduce poverty and enhance the economy of rural areas, the awareness on GBV will help in tackling this social menace in all the project communities in the state.

The awareness exercise was witnessed by community leaders in the areas, women, men and youths in all the locations visited.

Sangodare Ayinla (PhD ),

KMCO

KW-SAPZ

07033530735