Makinde‘s wife leads walk against FGM, Gender-based Violence

First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, Friday, led a rally of women from different walks of life against sexual and gender-based violence, calling for an immediate end to all forms of violence.

Governor Makinde’s wife made the call during the 16 days of activism rally against sexual and gender-based violence tagged: “UNITE! Activism To End Violence Against Women and Girls”, organised by Oyo State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Centre for Population and Reproductive Health (CPRH).

The rally saw the first lady and other women move from Oyo State Government Secretariat to different areas in Ibadan and finally to Akinyele Settlement Center, Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.

While speaking, MrsMakinde said:  “We are on this rally because we want an end to sexual and gender-based violence. We want an end to this violence at our place of works, schools and homes. We want an end to female genital mutilation.

“Our girls are out there injured and oppressed. We want them to speak out against every form of oppression and victimisation. Sexual violence is preventable and also unacceptable. Our girls and women have suffered enough of emotional and psychological damage. We want it to end.

She also presented about 150 hygiene kits and support materials to the dwellers of Akinleye Settlement Center and gave reasons.

She said: “We chose this place because we are trying to send a message that even though they are weak and vulnerable, they are important; they should not bevictims of sexual violence or any form of violence.

“We are here to show them support through the help of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Centre for Population and Reproductive Health (CPRH), who made all these available. I appreciate them for their care and support.”

Makinde said it was imperative for well-meaning members of the society to mobilise against gender-based violence, and especially speak out and inform relevant necessary authorities when they notice any form of violence against women and girls.

Stressing that survivors of sexual and gender-based violence live with the trauma all their life, she charged all and sundry to unite to ensure all women and girls are safe.

Speaking on behalf of the Center for Population and Reproductive Health, Prof OladosuOjengbede appreciated the Oyo State Government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for the collaborative effort towards making sure there is end to sexual and gender based violence in the community