BY GBENGA  ARIYIBI
ADO-EKITI—The Ekiti State House of Assembly has passed into law  Gender Based Violation, GBV, Bill   which seeks protection of women and children against  any form of abuse or violence.

The bill  which was sponsored by the wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi , Ministry of Women Affairs and Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA,was passed into law last  Thursday, following a public hearing conducted by the House

The  idea of sponsoring the bill  by the interested groups may not be unconnected with the recent cases of abuse of rights of some women by  their spouse, male counterparts and child related  abuses that have  now  gained currency in different parts of the state

Commenting on  the passage of the bill,the Speaker of the  House , Dr Adewale Omirin said the   bill if finally becomes  law  will go a long way to reduce crime and also guarantee the rights of the citizens. some forms of abuses.

According to him, the  GBV  bill  covers diverse types and forms of violence. These include acts or threats to commit acts liable to result in physical, sexual, economic and emotional, verbal or psychological abuse. Harassment, including sexual harassment, exploitation and intimidation by inducing fear in another person and all acts of domestic violence perpetrated by intimate partners and family members.

‘’It also covers harmful traditional practices such as Female Genital Mutilation and Widowhood Rites; imposition of dress codes under any guise; child marriage and criminalising pregnancy outside marriage.

Omirin further declares ‘’The passage of the bill ensures that gender-based violence represents a serious crime against individuals and the society.

‘’The Bill details the procedures for filling complaints to the Police and ways of obtaining protection orders from the court to prevent individuals or groups from carrying out a threat of gender-based violence against applicants.

The Bill provides protection for people against possible abuse as well as ensures justice for those that have experienced different forms of gender based violence.

It may be  recalled that Ekiti State Assembly, had earlier in June passed  the Freedom of Information (FOI) law, thereby making the state the first to domesticate the law in the country.