Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Gender Issues, Hon Andrew Emwanta has called on the International Federation of Women Lawyers ( FIDA) to partner with the Ministry towards its sexual harassment policy to give life to certain provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP Law.
The Commissioner who made the call during a courtesy visit by the Edo State chapter of FIDA to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Against Women and Girls said there is the need for partnership
According to him, this will make heads of organizations, Vice Chancellors of institutions and others accountable because the problem has always been the issue of accountability of everything that happens within their jurisdiction because they fail to take action.
“We are working on the Edo state sexual harassment policy. This is one area, FIDA can partner with the Ministry because we have cases where female lawyers have been harassed by their principals and students harassed by teachers and the list is endless.
“We should make Edo a place where we have zero tolerance for sexual harassment. When we say gender based violence, that is the worst form of it and little is said about it. It is unfortunate that the sexual harassment bill that was passed by the National Assembly has not been signed by the President,” he added.
In response to a request made by FIDA with regards to adoption processes in the state, Emwanta noted that since becoming Commissioner he has given over thirty approvals and directed staff of the ministry not to waste time from the time a person applies to the final approval.
He said that there are plans to audit and update Orphanages in the state because they are not giving out the kind of information required by the Ministry.
“As the Ministry is doing its own adoption processes, the orphanages also have their own adoption process which is illegal. There are some not fit to be orphanages and they are not within the purview of the Ministry.
“When we have the approval of the Governor and we do an audit, we would be doing constant monitoring and if anybody adopts without informing the Ministry by going through the back door, they risk going to jail according to child rights law
“Adoption is divine and legal and God has made it so and anybody standing on the way is standing on the way of God. There are many people who God made to have children through this means and we cannot question God,” the Commissioner added.
The Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers, Violet Elumese said they are at the Ministry of Youth and Gender Issues because it is a focal point in the fight against gender based violence and as lawyers they are prepared to continue the partnership to promote this cause.
“As part of the 16 days activism against gender based violence, we are enlightening people to speak out, there should be respect in places of work and respect even in the homes because all rights are human rights.
“ Adoption rate over the years has not been encouraging, there are people who want to adopt but it has not been possible. All issues surrounding adoption should be tackled and we would be very grateful if the Ministry can partner with our organization to ensure that people who want to adopt get results,” she added.