The Edo State Government has restated its commitment to eliminate all forms of violence against persons, especially the vulnerable in the State, with the support of Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC), a local Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
Receiving officials of the organization, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Barbara Nekpen Osobajo, promised Edo State Government’s readiness to work with relevant stakeholders in the fight to end or reduce, incidences of Gender-Based Violence in Edo State.
Mrs. J.I. Ihensekhien, the Director of Gender Issues in the Ministry, who stood in for the Permanent Secretary during the visit, thanked WHARC for all they have been doing.
Mrs. Osobajo said the partnership with relevant stakeholders in the fight against gender-based violence matches the Ministry’s vision and assured that the State Government welcomes as many more partners as possible.
She also assured the organization of the Ministry’s support for all it plans to do in future.
Earlier, the Executive Director of WHARC and former Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wilson Imongan, expressed appreciation to the Permanent Secretary for the visit, which he described as an opportunity for cooperation to fight all forms of Gender-Based Violence.
The former Commissioner said the fight is a tough task which can only be overcome through collaboration among stakeholders in the State.
He mentioned some notable achievements of WHARC to include the advocacy for the ban of female genital mutilation and the provision of free medical care services for pregnant women and children below the age of five.
Dr. Imongan said WHARC has existed for over 30 years and appreciated the Ministry’s acknowledgement of their visit.
