NHRC OSUN in Conjunction with the Office of the First Lady, the Osun State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, NBA FIDA, CSOs and other Stakeholders Flags-Off the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Osun State with a Road Walk

The Osun State Office of the National Human Rights Commission, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady of Osun State, the Osun State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and other key stakeholders, officially flagged off the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on November 25, 2024. The event highlighted the global theme, “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” emphasizing collective action to eliminate violence against women and girls (VAWG).

The day’s activities commenced with a symbolic road walk, starting from the Osun State Government Secretariat, Abere, and concluding at the Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo. Participants included representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, youth groups, students and community members, all united in their advocacy to end gender-based violence. Attendees adorned the signature color of the campaign, orange, symbolizing a brighter future free of violence against women and girls.

Following the road walk, a public lecture was held at the Ataoja School of Science. This segment provided a platform for key stakeholders to deliver messages of support, advocacy, and commitment toward eradicating gender-based violence in Osun State.

 The First Lady of Osun State, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adeleke, in her opening remarks, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). She emphasized the importance of implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the safety and dignity of women and girls.

The Osun State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hon. Ayobola Awolowo, in her remarks, highlighted the Ministry’s efforts in creating safe spaces and support systems for survivors of violence. She called for sustained advocacy and the allocation of resources to combat VAWG effectively.

The Osun State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, Mrs Nneka Anigbo, while delivering her Goodwill Message, underscored the Commission’s mandate to promote and protect the rights of women and girls,  emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for survivors. She urged community members to report cases of violence and support survivors in seeking redress. She stated that Osun State has made significant strides, including the implementation of the VAPP Law and the MAP GBV Committee, yet much work remains to ensure accountability and empowerment for women and girls. She urged all stakeholders to intensify efforts, prioritize survivor-centered approaches, and challenge harmful norms to create a society free from violence and discrimination. She appreciated the First Lady, and all partners for their tireless advocacy and encouraged everyone to recommit to ending gender-based violence and fostering an inclusive, secure future for all in Osun State.

Other speakers included representatives from civil society organizations, and youth advocates, all of whom echoed the call for collective action to transform societal norms and enforce laws against SGBV.