In commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day celebration, a Non-Governmental Organization, Restoration Of The Dignity Of Womanhood (ROTDOW) in partnership with Women Advocacy Research & Documentation Centre(WARDC) on Wednesday, 8th March 2023 organized an awareness programme for people in Oda Community on Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law for Gender Equality.
The CEO, ROTDOW, Mrs. Olabisi Omolona while speaking on the significance of International Women’s Day said it is a day set aside to celebrate women and to seek ways to better protect their rights.
Mrs. Omolona who said Oda Community was specifically picked for the sensitization programme as there had been several reports of abuses noted that the topic was picked to enable women to know their right under the law i.e that is the law, that protects women.
“Many have been hearing about VAPP law and don’t know much about it. We decided to use today’s occasion to bring that knowledge to the doorsteps of our women in order for them to digest and tell others.
“We believe if they know their right as women, it will be difficult for people to be maltreating, cheat or violate them. Many women suffer because they don’t know the law is in place and do not know the right place to report. We have brought a security person to educate them so that they will know all we are saying is bound by the law”, she added.
While urging the women to always speak up in the face of violence, Mrs. Omolona applauded the ever-vibrant Ondo First Lady, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu for championing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law in the state to rid the state of the menace.
Mrs. Omolona also used the opportunity to applaud the CEO of WARDC, Mrs. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi for all that she has been doing in the state, especially those targeted at women’s development.
Giving her remarks, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Mrs. Bunmi Osadahun while congratulating women across the state said it is another opportunity for them to stay abreast of efforts geared towards protecting their rights.
Mrs. Osadahun who was represented at the event by Mrs. Suleiman Christiana urged the women to learn about the VAPP Law and protect themselves from abuses and to report cases of violence to appropriate quarters.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Ondo State Agency Against Gender-Based Violence, Barr Bolanle Afolabi thanked ROTDOW for conceptualizing the programme saying the time has come for women to free themselves from all abuses.
She also appreciated the Ondo State Government for stepping down the contents of the VAPP Law in the local language for easy understanding as part of efforts to stem the menace in the society.
According to her, the VAPP Law metes out punishment on offenders and as well makes provision for the rehabilitation of victims in a bid to protect all gender against violence.
She also took time to explain acts that the VAPP Law criminalizes and the punishment under the law.
In her goodwill message, the Ondo State Director of, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Adelayo Afolabi noted that the federal government is particularly interested in the welfare of women and has a lot of programmes to better the lives of women, thus women must take up such windows of opportunities.
Ably represented by Mrs. Olumide Atiba, Mrs. Afolabi also used the opportunity to charge women to shun political violence most especially in this time of electioneering period in the state.
Sharing from personal experiences to lend voice to the cause, the Iyaloja of Ondo State, Chief Mrs
Chief Mrs Kemi Adedapo-Aisida, the Yeyelobirin of Akure, Chief Mrs Olufunke Fadahunsi and Iyalaje/Iyaloja of Oda land,
Chief Abeke Ojo charged the women to shun harmful traditional practices and speak up in the face of violence.
The event also featured a guest lecture on Understanding Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law for Gender Equality by Mrs. Yemi Faboyo who took time to educate the participants on VAPP Law, the major differences between Gender Equality and Equity, the need for women to stand up and speak up in the face of violence and as well explore opportunities in innovation and technology to build their business empire.
Mrs. Faboyo also used the opportunity to educate the women, especially on good parenting skills.
Giving an assessment of the programme, the CRT Coordinator for Oda, Mrs Olufowobi Comfort said she was particularly happy about the sensitization programme as the women have been exposed to relevant laws that protect their dignity as women just as she expressed high hopes that the sensitization programme will go a long way in reducing sexual and gender violence in the society at large.
Iyalode of USO, Olori of ILADO and the Community Response Team of WARDC were also present at the event.
Some of the offences criminalized by the VAPP Law include Rape, FGM, spousal abandonment, harmful widowhood practices, stalking, and incest among others.
