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Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode has been called upon to implement the 35-40 per cent women representation in the Lagos State cabinet as a way of lifting the status of women in the state.
The call was included in the communique issued at a town hall meeting organized by stake holders comprising members of the civil society group in Lagos recently.
Worried about the increasing rape cases in Nigeria, the group deliberated on issues compromising the well-being of the vulnerable groups in the society as well as the larger society.
The town hall being the inaugural edition of the movement attracted stakeholders drawn from diverse walks all across Lagos State to the Marquee of the Westown Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.
According to the communique issued at the interactive session and signed by Mr. Tunde Feyisayo-Oke and Ruth Okonya, it is obvious that all is not well in terms of responses to domestic violence and related abuses in Nigeria.
However, decisions were reached as it affects gender-based violence, gender inequality in both private and public sectors.
Stakeholders unanimously agreed that the continuous various forms of violence and gender inequality currently going in the society call for concern.
Participants also ruled in favour of the development and enforcing of effective policies aimed at boosting the status of vulnerable groups including the most-at-risk groups, women and girls and the entire society.
The Movement however in strong terms condemn gender-based violence, including the use of rape, acid bath, attacks leading to harm in different kinds and all manners of emotional and psychological violence.
Going by available data, more women and a number of men are at the eye of the storm of conflict and repression with many cases to show, while in reality the entire public should all have the right to live in Lagos without fear.
Part of the objective of the Movement is to ensure that people take their destiny into their hands by setting out workable ambitious plans to prevent violence, support victims and take action against perpetrators.
Gender based violence and human rights violations in Lagos State, but they also noted that there are still a lot of grounds to cover in terms of justice delivery, progress in legal and social protection of girls and women from sexual abuse, violence and others forms of abuse.
Panel discussants at the meeting also suggested the need for more action through the creation of a dedicated domestic violence hotline, as well as family counselling centres and shelters for victims. According to stakeholders, this would help reduce the cases of reports of domestic violence in the metropolis.
Going a step further, complaint boxes were also suggested to be located in all tertiary institutions across Lagos State without delay to forestall the cases of abuse in the institutions of higher learning.
Although the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, criminalises all forms of gender-based violence, harmful practices against women and girls, rape, economic and political marginalisation, experts revealed that much still needs to be done in order to create a saner society.
According to the participants, And these include dealing with traditional stereotypes of masculine dominance, effective prosecution of perpetrators, eradication of religious extremism under the guise of cultural relativism, among others.
Stakeholders also agreed that the movement shall be known as 50-50: The Movement, and it will genuinely make efforts to integrate different existing groups working at ending domestic violence, gender inequality, promote positive masculinity and ensuring quality in leadership, into the movement.
The group also pointed out the need for education of people in the grassroots.
According to the communique, the need to educate the grassroots to know what their rights are and speak out for such is imperative. The Movement commended Lagos State government on its efforts so far but called on the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, the Police, health workers and other relevant stakeholders to do more.
Various associations were urged to come together under one umbrella while women should support themselves politically and economically.
Religious organisations and leaders were not left out in the deliberation to the end of arriving at a lasting solution. They were urged to educate their members on the prevailing issues of gender inequality and gender-based violence, among other issues.
The need to introduce a special course in secondary schools and tertiary institutions to catch ‘them young’ in terms of right values and attitudes was also highlighted by the stakeholders who added that such effort should not be delayed in the state.
The communique also revealed that violence against women and girls constituted a violation of their human rights.
Stating further that no custom, tradition or religion could justify an act of violence against a woman.
In furtherance to the existing law on gender in Lagos State, it was agreed that government should improve on that law by incorporating a section(s) that will provide for the economic empowerment of women and girl victims of violence against women.
The Town Hall Meeting however encouraged enhanced partnerships among government and its agencies, civil society, the private sector, faith-based organisations and the general public. the group also want a robust support resource mobilisation to end violence and advance gender equality which it says is an integral part of social justice, peace, security and prosperity in Lagos State.
