The Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Honourable Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi has called on Persons Living With Disabilities to join the advocacy against Gender Based Violence.

Speaking at The FCT StateTechnical Working Group On GBV meeting
in Abuja, Benjamins-Laniyi said it is imperative for PWDs to be part of the war against GBV because there vulnerability makes them susceptible to Gender Based Violence.

The Mandate Secretary said there must be a synergy among stakeholders in the fight against GBV.

“Together we can and we will make a difference to end GBV,” she said.

“Today we gather to tackle GBV issues,we will work together to end GBV, to create an environment where everyone is safe.”

She asked stakeholders to produce a “robustreport with rich data” that could aid in the fight against the problem.

Asmau Esquire, permanent secretary of the women affairs secretariat, said there need for proper reporting of GBV cases.

“We should be able to implement practices that will put an end to GBV,” She said.

Also speaking, Christabel Ayeni, senior programme officer at the institute of human virology, said: “As an institute we believe in addressing Gender Based Violence in all forms and ways to curb HIV and AIDS.

“We pledge to work with all stakeholders to end GBV.”

Rose Daniel who represented Lois Auta, from the network of persons living with disability showed appreciation to the Mandate Secretary.

“ We thank you for the spirit of inclusivity. With the support of the Secretariat we are now reporting on the national dashboard.”

Barr Esther Omenka an Executive Director in star crest for Women in Africa Foundation identified lack of empowerment as one of the bane’s of GBV.

She said women would need to be empowered so that they are not left at the mercy of others.

Lilian Chikama from Christian Women Empowerment in Nigeria stated “we need safe places for women who have suffered GBV.”

by Martha Shibayan