OPD challenges men on war against gender based violence

 

NIGERIA – The Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD), has challenged men to take the front position in the current war against gender based violence through active participation in the sensitization and awareness campaign against this social menace in the state.

This charge was given by the Director, Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD), Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju during the sensitization and enlightenment campaign to mark this year’s United Nations 16 days of activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women & Girls also tagged as “Orange the World”. The theme for this year is ”Unite! Say No To Gender Based Violence” and the event took place at the Chapel of Christ the Light and Nasrul-Lahi-il- Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Alausa over the weekend.

Adesomoju said many men are culpable in meting out either physical, emotional and psychological violence against women. Therefore, the theme for this year Orange the World is apt as all hands must be on deck to eliminate gender based violence in the State.

According to her, men should take the bull by the horns and lead the fight against this scourge that is capable of undermining our socio-economic growth and development. She warned that failure to nip it in the bud might deny our nation the opportunity to occupy a rightful place in the Comity of nations.

Speaking to the congregation, Adesomoju encouraged clerics to also join in the crusade as they wield a lot of influence in the society. She equally enjoined the populace to say no to any form of gender based violence and urged victims to approach the nearest office of the OPD in their area for free and quality legal services in order to bring perpetuators to justice.

As part of the activities marking this year event, the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender earlier had a sensitization campaign with the students of Zumuratul Islamiyya Senior High School, Yaba on Lagos State Child’s Rights Law and how children can access OPD free legal services to safeguard their rights in the State.