NGO Partners With Osùn Monarch To Forestall Domestic Violence In Osun State

 

NGO partners with Osùn Monarch to forestall domestic violence in Osun State

Owolabi Philip, Akande Victoria

 

On May 5, 2022, a non-governmental organization known as Women Inspiration Development Center (WIDC), in conjunction with Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), came to the town of Keredolu Ife with the purpose of community dialogue and rally on ending violence against women and girls in Osun State with the acronym Violence Against Women Gender (VAWG), proudly supported by Ford Foundation

 

The meeting with Leegan of Akeredolu Ife, His Royal Majesty, Oba Raifu Ojo Adeyera (Adetise 1) Oba of Akeredolu Ife and stakeholders of the town was to start the liberation fight in Akeredolu town and its environs. Among those present were the representatives of the DPO; Iyaoloja; Iyalode; a Christian and Muslim representative; the chairman of the health committee in the community; the chairman of Urhobo and Igara people; the youth leader; the Headmistress of Saint Saviours primary school; etc. 

 

Leaders of the community

The convener, Mrs. Busayo Obisakin, encouraged the women leaders present to speak out on women's violations they knew about. Women in their numbers came out one after the other, stating different violations against women ranging from sexual abuse, rape, physical assualt, child molestation etc. The DPO representative, Supritendent Awotuyi Janet, further expressed that child marriage, because of whatever privileges, is also a form of violation against women. 

Supritendent Awotuyi Janet

 

The Covener, Mrs Busayo Obisakin

Mrs. Obisakin then addressed the leaders of the town on psychological violations that affect the mental and overall well-being of women. She said this is, however, not really emphasized but it is capable of causing serious damage to the female personality. In addition, husbands acting irresponsibly towards their families or wives' needs is also a form of violation. Although she stated that men are also being violated, the ratio was less than that of women, hence the emphasis on the female gender. 

 

Mrs. Obisakin disclosed the legal implications of violence against women. Some consequences span from 14 years to 22 years and sometimes life imprisonment, depending on the crime committed. She pointed out that ignorance of the law isn't an excuse. She cited an example of a man who got incarcerated because of his ignorance of the law. This enlightenment of key leaders was to forestall such a reoccurrence in the community. She placed premium on women empowerment as an antidote to this assault

 

On the issue of rape and molestation of children, the Queen voiced her displeasure and how the negligence of parents has contributed to the menace. She also highlighted the negative impact of technology on children. She debunked the saying that the mother owned the bad child and the men were in charge of the good ones; all children belong to both parents, and the proof that the men have is that those children, good or bad, bear their father's surname. She concluded that parents should make time for their children and not just endlessly chase money at the expense of their wards. 

 

The Queen speaking on family

The King, Oba Raifu Ojo Adeyera (Adetise 1), advised women not to remain in abusive relationships. He told them to know when to use the exit door. The head of the health unit in the community stressed the King's point to women to value their lives above the institution of marriage. This point was also reiterated by Pastor Adeyemo, who corrected clerics who used religious and biblical references to prevent women from freedom from abusive relationships and ultimately lead to their untimely death. 

 

Finally, the convener, Mrs. Busayo Obisakin, urged the King and the people to create a time where they could meet the youths and discuss with them. The meeting ended with every town leader signing an oath form and then being inaugurated into the Community Response Team (CRT) to report any female gender-based violence in their jurisdiction. 

The King signing the oath form

 

The King, speaking with ICON representatives, expressed his joy at the movement in his town. He described the event as "good, educative, and innovative." He admonished all couples still involved in gender-based violence to desist from it. 

 

The DPO, CSP Ogboninu Taiwo, who was represented by Supritendent Awotuyi Janet, Divisional Traffic Officer, C Division, Aganun Ile-Ife, in an interview with an ICONS reporter, addressed the issue of victims' keeping quiet and how it prevents them from getting justice. She expressed her desire for the NGO to extend its tentacles to other communities so they could be enlightened.

 

 

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