NGO To Tackle Gender Based Violence Against Women And Girls With Disabilities

In order to eliminate gender based violence against women and girls with disabilities, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO); Society for Life Changers and Good Parental Care (SOLIFE) has revealed that as part of its advocacy campaign, it would embark on enlightenment and training in 14 local governments across Osun and Kwara states.

Stating today during a news conference organised as part of the advocacy sensitisation programme, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager; Odedeji Aanuoluwapo Victoria stated that strategies to be used were partnership, capacity building, communication and social mobilisation, media campaign, referral networking, establishment of 20 guidance and counselling units, training teachers as counsellors, formation of life changers forum (GBV Club) in schools for the handicapped and at community levels, policy-legislative advocacy and weekly television programme.

She also revealed that the expected results were; improved access to safe and adequate multi-sectoral service to end violence against women and children with disabilities in both states, improved protection of women and girls with disabilities in both states through behavioural and attitudinal changes and increased effectiveness in legislation, policies, national action plans and accountability systems to prevent and end violence against women and girls with disabilities in both states.

Explaining further, she disclosed that girls with disabilities encounter triple fold violence which makes them victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse and rape, while also facing discrimination, which makes them isolated, marginalised and vulnerable to violence.

Responding to questions from journalists, Mr. Aremu Steven, the Board Of Trustees Chairman explained that SOLIFE intended to use multi sectoral and multi level approach to address the issue.

He noted that this involved applying all the strategies earlier highlighted which included the media, NGOs, schools, agencies and relevant government ministries.

The 14 local governments earmarked for the implementation in Osun and Kwara States are; Ife Central, Ife East, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Ede North, Ede South, Osogbo, Olorunda and Iwo in Osun state.

While in Kwara state, the earmarked local governments for implementation include; Offa, Oyun, Ifelodun, Ilorin South and Ilorin East.

Also, the Schools for the Handicapped in each state were also earmarked for the programme implementation.