Ekiti to establish Gender Courts, says Dr Oyebanji

The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, says the state would establish and equip gender courts in Ekiti as one of the ways of ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which she described as hydra-headed problem.

Olayemi said that the GBV required a multidimensional solution that would involve a multi-sectoral approach, adding that the government would look inward into the already existing structures to resolve new challenges.

The wife of the governor stated this in an interactive session with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti as part of activities marking the 2022 edition of the 16 days of activism against violence against women and children.

She said: "We will ensure that we publish all our public policy laws and also review some of our laws to include whistleblower and sexual violence crime protection, mandatory reporting, and others."

Dr Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the state governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, for creating an enabling environment and support in ensuring that the global event is observed in Ekiti state.

"He has shown himself not only as a leader but also as a person who has passion for the development of women in Ekiti State as we commemorate the 16 days of activism."

As part of the programs to mark the global event, she said that stakeholders, including the MDAs, civil society organizations, and the gender and vulnerable persons unit of her office, have planned a lot of activities.

"Some of the activities include, but are not limited to, sensitization of key and relevant stakeholders on GBV, media engagement, awareness creation across the state, and community dialogue sessions."

She, however, reiterated her determination to work in the footsteps of her predecessor, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, who, she said, left beautiful legacies in her determination to end violence against women.