By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – IT was reports of frustration by family members and sometimes victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Edo State on the prosecution of perpetrators and reports as the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) and the Edo State chapter of Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) held a multi-level dialogue for men, women, youths and other stakeholders on prevention and response to GBV and rally.

The programmes were part of the activities to mark the International Human Rights Day and 16 Days Activism against gender violence by NAWOJ.

They agreed that though men have also been victims of SGBV, women and children are worst hit as they lamented situations where mothers could collect money as compensation instead of allowing justice for their victimized children and sometimes themselves.

Speaking on behalf of the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, a leader in the Sexual Assault Retreat Centre/GBV, Mrs Regina Iyoha said there is an existing law for SGBV issues and that the ministry was ready to implement the law.

She also cautioned those who try to settle SGBV issues in traditional and other means saying that practice was not above the law.

Speaking on behalf of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oredo local government, Rev Friday Ekhator said there is a challenge of family members like women coming back to beg for their husbands they have come to report for SGBV issues.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of JDPC, Benin City, Rev Fr. Benedict Onwugbenu said the event was organized in collaboration with Women Aid Collective (WACOL) to mark the International Human Rights Day “that reminds us of the universal right of every human being to live free from violence, discrimination, fear, and oppression. In line with this year’s commemoration, our focus on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is both timely and necessary, SGBV continues to affect women, girls, men, and young people in ways that threaten their dignity, wellbeing, and fundamental human rights

“Today’s programme, “Multi-Level Dialogue for Men, Women, Youth, and Critical Stakeholders on the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence,” reflects our shared commitment to creating a society where justice, equality, and human dignity are upheld.”

Speaking in some markets in Benin City, the Chairperson of NWAOJ in Edo State, Comrade Habiba Sam charged Edo Women to report cases of violence against the girl child and Women to the authorities for necessary actions.

Leading members of the association in the campaign, she advised that women should stop abusing their house maids to avoid being prosecuted.

She also urged women to speak out against violence against them as she said some people have died because of their not reporting SGBV issues.