Women protest in Ibadan; decry violence against women, children

By OLA AJAYI,

IBADAN – Scores of women marched round major streets of Ibadan calling on legislators to make laws on violence against women.

The women under the aegis of Zonta Club International, Zonta Club, Ibadan and Oyo State Officers Wives Association who were observing sixteen days of activism as declared by the United Nations went to some broadcasting houses calling on people to say no to violence against women and children.

They displayed many anti-violence placards against women and children. Some of the inscriptions read, “Zonta says no to rape, female circumcision, childhood marriage, degrading traditional practices, discrimination in employment, denial of female education, sexual harassment, child labour, violence from law enforcement agency,  childhood marriage and others.

The leaders of the forum, Governor, Zonta Club International, District 18, Mrs. Gloria Stene Agboola and the President, Dr. Omolara Smith spoke extensively on various ways menfolk perpetrate violence against women and children.

Mrs. Agboola who spoke with Vanguard during the sensitization rally said it was the first time the two clubs would come together for such a rally.

“We want the House of Assembly to pass the bill that would check violence against women and children. Once we get the bill passed, then we will make people who commit such crimes pay for it”.

“So, the essence of the rally is to make people talk about it, she said.