GBV: Expert seeks family education on good parenting
A Family and Lifestyle Medicine physician, Dr Tolulope Adeogun, has called for massive awareness and education of the families particularly parents on good parenting practices to curb gender-bases violence (GBV).
Adeogun, who works with the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Lagos.
She lamented that many families had failed in their basic role of inculcating good parenting behaviours in their children.
She emphasised the fundamental role of families in shaping society, which in the long run, would help to address the incidence of GBV in the society.
Adeogun identified key principles for effective parenting as love, care, listening and encouraging good deeds, and consistent discipline.
According to her, families should serve as role models, not only for their children but for others in the community.
“To build a GBV free society, there is a need for good parenting practices that would help to nurture a positive environment for the children to grow, thrive and treat one another with dignity.
“Family is the cornerstone of our society, and within this cornerstone, parents should shine examples of what it means to nurture, protect, and inspire our families for greatness,” she said.
The physician explained that GBV not only harms victims physically and emotionally, but also disrupts the overall harmony and stability of the family unit.
Adeogun, who described family as the bedrock of any nation, said good parenting was essential to preventing GBV.
She noted that the family should provide the needed support systems, communication and mutual respect for recovery from the shock of GBV.
According to her, families must cultivate a loving and peaceful home to be able to break the cycle of violence that disrupts cohesion among family members.
“The family, as an institution, has pivotal responsibility to play in addressing the issue of GBV.
“The essence of good parenting is defined by the depth of one’s commitment, love and dedication to his/her family,” she said.
