By Stella-Maris Okwaranyia
There is need for effective partnership to end cases of sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
This was the submission of experts and stakeholders at the book launch, titled, “Emerge” authored by the founder of Boundless Hands Africa, Titilayo Ogungbanbi.
Mrs. Abigail Tyoden, wife of the Deputy Governor of Plateau State, urged all victims of sexual and gender-based violence, not to hesitate in reporting any assault to the relevant authorities and law enforcement agents.
“Practically all the states of the federation are offering free medical and psychological support to all victims of these crimes in our society. All you need to do is to report when you’re abused. Don’t die in silence, speak out and get justice.”
Speaking on the motive for writing the book, Titilayo Ogungbambi, Founder of Boundless Hands Africa Initiative, stated that the greatest fear any human can harbour in their heart is the guilt of someone else’s actions which is the reality of one out of every three girls/women in our society.
“My journey over the last ten years has been creating a society where everyone is free to lead a happy, safe, and violence-free life, and it has been my driving force! This is not only about you or me here today; it is about our children and the decisions we make today to address societal norms and beliefs that continue to endanger their lives. “With every encounter written in this book Emerge, my resolve grew stronger, and my focus remained on setting the girl child free from predestined shackles. A decision I am faced with every time I come in contact with a survivor of Violence or abuse.
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“Over time, societal judgment has continued to encourage the culture of silence that suppresses survivors’ voices. The question from me today is, will we ever be free from the shadows of abuse and violence? It’s a question that lingers on my mind and should too on yours.
She hinted that her Foundation was founded in 2016 to champion the prevention of gender-based violence in the communities and advocate for policies that will protect people from the injustices.
“Since 2016, Boundless Hands Africa has advanced the health and well-being of gender-based violence survivors by facilitating access to sexual reproductive health information/services, providing psycho-social support to survivors of sexual abuse, and sensitizing and empowering women and girls living in underserved communities with skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
“My team and I have successfully implemented over 38 interventions, reaching over 25,000 people face-to-face and through our online channels.”
Zainab Olisamah, Guest Speaker at the event and the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, HIS Towers Nigeria, explained that both corporate and private organizations need to create awareness around gender-based violence as she solicited the support of men in addressing the menace.
“Organizations need to do aware with selfish interest when women show up for interviews because we have seen cases where an organization didn’t want to employ a woman because of the fact that she will go for maternity leave.
“Also, when a woman is building a business, the expectation is that it will be a support business to the man. So for us as women, we need to support economically active women to contribute actively to development of this country and advancement of equality.”
