Kwara Govt Calls For Stronger Alliance Against Gender-Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation
Civil society groups, security agencies, members of the judiciary, and healthcare professionals in Kwara State have been charged to strengthen their collaboration and intensify efforts to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) and eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM).
The call was made by the Kwara State Commissioner for Social Development, Hon. Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, during a training workshop for stakeholders on FGM prevention, survivor-centred care, and gender-based case management, held on 11 August 2025 at Sinclair Hotel, Ilorin.
Dr. Imam said the training reflected a shared commitment to creating a society where “the dignity, safety, and rights of women and children are fully protected.” She described FGM as “a grave violation of human rights, one that causes lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological harm to survivors.”
Speaking on the broader issue of GBV, the Commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to align with national and international frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and the Child Rights Law, to eliminate harmful cultural practices.
She commended UNICEF and the Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC) for their consistent advocacy and technical support in strengthening local response systems.
The CEO of GLOHWOC, Dr. (Mrs.) Christiana Abayomi Oluwole, in her presentation on “Understanding GBV and FGM,” defined GBV as “any harmful act directed at an individual based on gender,”
She noted that it is deeply rooted in inequality, abuse of power, and harmful social norms. She also discussed the types of FGM, illustrated with diagrams, and explained the severe health and psychological consequences.
Participants reviewed the legal framework and justice pathways for addressing GBV and FGM, exploring survivor-centred responses, referral pathways, case management, and multi-agency coordination.
They resolved to intensify inter-agency collaboration and urged increased political will to provide both moral and logistical support for ongoing sensitisation and the full enforcement of laws prohibiting GBV and FGM.
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