Group urges Southwest states to unite against gender-based violence
The Executive Director of the Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development, Tumininu Adedeji, has called for stronger collaboration among Southwest states to address gaps in gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response. She highlighted persistent challenges in coordination and system effectiveness across Lagos, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, and Ogun states. The call was made during a one-day Inter-State Consultative Dialogue on GBV Prevention and Response in Ado Ekiti. Other stakeholders, including Gbemiga Adaramola and Oluwapomile Sodeinde, emphasized the need for evidence-based strategies and improved resources for survivors.
What we know
- Tumininu Adedeji stressed that survivors of GBV still face barriers in accessing timely and quality services, and called for knowledge sharing among states.
- The dialogue was organised by BIGIF in partnership with the Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement and the Ford Foundation.
- Gbemiga Adaramola described GBV as a public failure of systems and urged participants to commit to cross-state collaboration.
- Oluwapomile Sodeinde highlighted the need for more investment in Ekiti State’s response systems, especially the Moremi Clinic and Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
- Ayomiposi Ogundipe noted that Ondo State lacks a Sexual Assault Referral Centre and stakeholders have committed to addressing this gap.
