From Priscilla Ofunre, Ado-Ekiti
The Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, as part of his administration’s effort at ensuring that gender balance is ensured and the incidences of maltreatment among women folk addressed, declared an enabling legal framework that criminalises any issue bordering on gender inequality and rights of women in the state.
The Governor said the era when women were being maltreated and their voices being subjugated was over, saying all the laws geared towards protecting their rights are now being implemented by the government.
Fayemi spoke in Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday, while declaring open the 4th Ekiti Gender Summit, held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital .
“My administration has been recognised as a state that has the highest number of women political office holders in the country. Our government is serious and thorough about the implementation and no mercy for whoever rapes, abuses, or molests any woman in Ekiti. The laws are there to take care of them.
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“I assure the people that my administration will continue to implement gender balancing and equality in the policy of the government. All the laws put in place to achieve this will be thoroughly implemented.
Speaking on the theme of the summit centred on : ‘Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Post Beijing: Political will and Impact’, the governor described, applauded the stakeholders that contributed to the success of the summit.
The first lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, said the programme, which is the fourth edition in the series is an initiative of her husband during his first term in office.
She said this year’s programme coincides with anniversary of the famous UN Beijing conference for women.
She, however, reiterated the readiness of her husband to implement the gender based violence prohibition law, equal opportunities law, child right law and other safety policies that protect the rights of the womenfolk.
Similarly, the first lady of of Ondo State, Mrs Betty Akeredolu said sustainable development can’t be achieved where the voices of women are being subjugated and their rights being eroded or trampled upon.
“Mortality rate is still high among women despite concerted efforts. We must empower women and enact laws that can protect their lives.This summit will help us to evaluate the progress so far and how to plan for the future.”
Also speaking, the wife of the Governor of State of Osun, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, said strong legal framework is required to protect the women against molestation and discrimination based on gender.
“Many women are still trapped in violent relationships, sexual harassment, rape, genital mutilation, wicked cultural practices and torture. Women empowerment is a task we must achieve to build our nation,” she stated.
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Delivering her lecture on the summit’s theme, Prof Olabisi Aina, said every gender must be given the right to education to serve as a leveler between the rich and the poor.
“The gender equality war is not against men, but lives must be made better for women. Every man is born equal. Issue of poverty affects women adversely. It is a known fact that SDGs can’t be achieved without addressing the issue of gender imbalance.”
