Kwara State Forms 21-Member Committee to Combat Gender-Based Violence
The Kwara State Government has established a 21-member committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of laws aimed at addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and protecting the rights of females in the state.
This announcement was made during the 2024 Girl Child Day celebration in Ilorin, where the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Opeyemi Afolashade, emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring the dignity of girls in Kwara.
She highlighted that the formation of this committee serves as a strong message to society, ensuring that the rights of the girl child are protected and that violators will face prosecution, regardless of their status.
Furthermore, She stressed the importance of continuing the campaign against the marginalization of girls and children, asserting that understanding and upholding the rights of girls is crucial for creating a better world.
Governor AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting girls through various measures, including the enactment of relevant laws and the establishment of health institutions specifically for women. He pointed out that laws such as the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act are in place to ensure compulsory education for children and protection against violence and discrimination.
The governor urged the public to change their attitudes towards investing in the education of the girl child, emphasizing that empowering girls benefits society as a whole. He called on parents to eliminate discrimination against girls, highlighting that many have achieved significant success in various fields. Kwara’s First Lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, also expressed her dedication to the development of the girl child, reinforcing the importance of these initiatives.
