Minister pledges to Sanction individuals responsible for gender-based violence

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, says stringent measures will be taken against perpetrators of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

She stated this at a news conference in Abuja to kickstart the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence,

The Minister reiterated plans for the establishment of mobile courts, backed by state governments and relevant agencies, to ensure that offenders face appropriate sanctions.

Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye urged parents to remain vigilant, emphasizing the need to protect their children and wards from falling victim to gender-based issues.

“If we do not teach our children how to report their plight, how will you know that child has been molested and maltreated, some of us are lacking in this aspect. If your child for instance is molested, we are not only going to sue the person that molested the child only we will sue you for negligence”.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mathias Schmale, called on the government to increase gender-responsive budgeting and develop strategies to eliminate societal norms and issues contributing to such violence.

Mr Schmale underscored the importance of women empowerment and the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, which has been domesticated by most states, as crucial steps to addressing these pervasive problems.

SOURCE: FRCN