Dolapo Osinbajo Calls For Collective Action Towards Ending Gender-Based Violence  

The wife of  Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Dolapo Osinbajo, has advocated for collective action toward putting an end to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices.

Osinbajo made the call on Wednesday while unveiling the Landscape Analysis report on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Harmful Traditional Practices and Obstetrics Fistula at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja presented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in partnership with Nigeria, Canada and development partners.

“Looking around in the hall today, it is clear that there are other stakeholders and key groups working tirelessly in this field of endeavour.

“We have key policymakers in government and within the communities, advocacy groups, NGOs and concerned individuals, working with the government agencies to end gender-based violence and harmful practices which affect our women and girls particularly; they also deserve applause.

“The aim of this gathering today is to provide a report by the UNFPA; the video report and other statistics provided indicate a great need for intervention.

“This data is key as it enables all who chose to speak up and act towards a zero tolerance for harmful practices can target the specific areas of need as revealed, thereby achieving greater successes and having a higher impact.’’

Osinbajo explained that available statistics revealed that GBV is a global pandemic that affected many women in their lifetime, which means 35 per cent of women worldwide had experienced either physical or sexual violence involving a known or unknown person.

The wife of the Vice President emphasised the need to put an end to the ugly trend and save the girl child.

“Do what? Save her before she becomes a victim; speak to him so he is not counted amongst the perpetrators.

“Enlighten on the result of bad choices, sexual harassment at work, school or home.

“Stand up for the girl that is chased around the office table by her superior, at work.

“Do what? Advocate for punishment for the crimes, not only for help for the survivors.’’

According to her, women and girls die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth daily.

“Obstetrics fistula is an unfortunate result of early and child marriage.

“According to a 2015 report on maternal mortality by the UN, Nigeria accounts for a significant percentage of all global maternal deaths.

“For a moment can we consider not only the figures of the statistics but the individuals that make up the figures?

“As I said earlier, let's do this: the childhood of play, laughter and warmth of loved ones replaced with the harsh reality of forced or early marriage, VVF, smelling, rejected, dejected, broken, torn in need of repair. So, let's do this together"