Writing By Ali Muhammad Rabiu; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Kwara State government is to collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to provide capacity training for staff on Gender-Based Violence management using survivor centered approach.
The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Opeyemi Afolashade, made this know during a meeting with UNFPA officials at the Ministry in Ilorin.
The Commissioner commended the agency for the support provided to the Ministry and sought its collaboration to strengthen the capacity of staff in order to improve efficiency in handling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases in the state.
Afolashade affirmed that the state government has provided mechanisms in handling GBV cases which include the inauguration of 21-Man Committee, establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Center( SARC), and shelter for survivors.
According to her, the state government also inaugurated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Response Team in Ilorin West, Ifelodun and Moro Local Government Areas among others.
The commissioner noted the need for continuous capacity building to effectively structure the state for current global standards.
Offering sympathy to Woro Community, Kaiama Local Government, she said that women and children are the most vulnerable in such situations,.
Afolashade also called for the protection and psychosocial support for the vulnerable groups in the community.
In a remark , the Kwara State Sexual Reproductive Health Specialist, United Nations Population Fund, Mrs Gloria Enueze, appreciated the state government for the work done so far to protect women and children through the Ministry.
She assured that the agency is on ground to provide support for the survivors of the Woro attack as well as help amplify the voice of the Ministry in the global space.
For her part ,the Humanitarian Analyst, United Nations Population Fund, Dr Danladi Idris, stressed the need to train staff on GBV cases management, GBV components, mapping and management of social risk factors.
He noted that applying Gender Lenses is essential to providing the appropriate support that women and children need during times of crisis.
ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
