The Kogi State Government on Thursday began the process of domesticating the National Gender Policy and its framework.
The National Gender Policy provides guidelines for mainstreaming gender in various sectors of the economy with the overall goal of reducing inequalities and enhancing the participation of women, men, girls and boys in socioeconomic and political development.
Distributing copies of the National Gender Policy and framework for the official commencement of the domestication of the policy in Kogi, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba, said the domestication of the policy will address the empowerment of women and social inclusion which holistically will address Gender Based Violence.
Her comments were made at an event in Lokoja on Thursday to mark the 16 days of activism to end Gender Based Violence against Women and Girls.
Buba posited that a multi-sectoral approach and gender-responsive budgeting across the board is key to mitigating Gender-Based Violence, stressing that, it has become a pandemic, hence the need for government, Civil Society Organizations, young people, both boys and girls, the private sector, including the media to continue to join forces to address the global pandemic of GBV.
“The Ministry of Women Affairs has the mandate to carry out protection and responses on GBV. We have always reinstated the ministry commitment at every forum of discussions to be more practical in our activities and to implement more programmes which include the domestication of National Gender Policy and also to allocate more resources for the Case and Gender Management System,” she added.
In her speech, the Executive Director, Concerned Youths and Teens Forum, Joy Akinola, noted that this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence carries a powerful message: “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.”
“This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of our struggle: a fight not just to respond to the devastating consequences of violence but to prevent it from occurring in the first place”.
While noting that violence against women and girls is a global epidemic that knows no boundaries, Akinola emphasised that it permeates every corner of society, transcending race, religion, and socio-economic status, stressing that it is a violation of human rights and an obstacle to gender equality.
She said, ” In Kogi State, we do not have official statistics of violence against women, however, despite the tireless efforts of many, the reality remains harsh. Women face domestic violence, sexual harassment and harmful traditional practices.
“But we must not let these statistics define us. We must not become numb to the cries of pain and injustice. Instead, let these statistics be a clarion call, urging us to rise and demand change. To combat this pervasive issue, we must invest in prevention. The theme “Invest to Prevent” is crucial because it highlights the need for a shift in our approach.
“We need to move beyond reactive measures and invest in prevention initiatives that address the root causes of violence. These investments include: Empowering women and girls through education and economic opportunities”.
