By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) has unveiled a project tagged 'Improving Access to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Information and Services' in Oyo State.
The project is aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
It is designed to promote a safer and more supportive environment for residents of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
At the inaugural meeting for the project on Friday in Ibadan, the South-West Regional Coordinator of PPFN, Mrs Elizabeth Abimbola, described GBV as a serious human rights violation that required concerted efforts to address.
She said that PPFN remained committed to combating GBV by advocating political and legal frameworks alongside providing preventive services.
“We understand the urgent need for a comprehensive concerted and coordinated approach to combat GBV through partnerships.
“We work to identify and map out existing GBV actors to understand the current landscape of efforts at addressing gender-based violence.
“We strengthen support systems for survivors of GBV through community engagement, among other interventions,” she said.
According to Abimbola, to combat GBV, PPFN will initiate discussions with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs on establishing meaningful partnerships.
She said the organisation would share knowledge and strengthen collective efforts in addressing GBV-related challenges
“This meeting aims to foster collaboration and coordinate efforts among stakeholders to improve interventions for GBV survivors by utilising diverse expertise and resources of stakeholders.
“Together we can create a safer and more inclusive environment where individuals are free from all forms of violence and discrimination,” she said.
Mr Diya Ogunjinmi, the Director of Women’s Programmes at the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs, gave the assurance that the ministry would fully support the project to drive positive changes across the state.
Ogunjinmi expressed confidence that the project would bring about the necessary changes required to safeguard lives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the inaugural meeting included representatives from the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Ministry of Health, social workers, other government agencies and non-governmental organisations(NAN)
