GBV: Edo Govt to create a state wide sexual harassment policy

Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Gender Issues, Hon. Andrew Adaze Emwanta Esq. JP has assured Edo people that gender-based violence cases will be given the attention it deserves with a state wide sexual harassment policy.

The Commissioner, who disclosed this during a familiarization visit to the Vivian Centre, Edo State Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Benin City, said the policy will create an action plan and there will no more be conspiracy of silence.

According to him, the social welfare enhancement pillar of the Godwin Obaseki administration led administration will be fully achieved with this policy.

“The Edo state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki will take the issue of sexual harassment, child right protection and gender-based violence seriously because we are now planning a state wide sexual harassment policy.

“We have rising cases of rape, especially of very young children, adolescent children. Just as the Director of the Vivian Sexual Referral Centre informed us, we have cases of children below two years who have been sexually molested.

“The state government now has zero tolerance to these social vices and with this Centre, we are sure of dealing with both victims and perpetrators of this crime. I am quite impressed with the work going on in this GBV center” he noted.

He said, “the Edo state government has invested a lot, looking at the massive building under construction that will now serve as the GBV Centre for Edo South.  The idea is to decentralize by ensuring that something similar will be in Edo North and Edo Central, but as a stop gap, existing health center’s are been used to give GBV cases the attention that it deserves.”

The Commissioner Commended the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, who is the chairman of the Gender Based Violence Committee in the state for creating a platform for the children to speak out.

“I want to assure Edo people that we have a woman that understands the plight of victims of gender-based violence. We are now creating a platform for the children of this state to speak out and their interest will be given the kind of attention every other social problem is given by government,” he added.

The Center manager, Vivian Centre, Edo state Sexual Assault Referral Center, Dr. Georgina Eromosele briefed and took the Commissioner and directors of the ministry round.