Ogun, UNFPA strengthen efforts to support gender-based violence survivors
The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that victims of gender-based violence receive adequate support to overcome their traumatic experiences and embrace better days ahead.
Adeleye also announced that the state government has established three additional Sexual Assault Referral Centres in Abeokuta, Ilaro, and Ijebu-Ode, to enhance support services for survivors of gender-based violence.
She made this disclosure on Wednesday during a special retreat organised in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund for Sexual Assault Referral Centre service providers in the state.
In her keynote address at the retreat in Abeokuta, the Commissioner described the event as an opportunity to brainstorm on improving service delivery at the SARC, enhancing survivors’ experiences, and creating a safer and more supportive environment.
Adeleye stated, “SARC service providers are at the forefront of the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), and they must ensure that survivors find a safe space where they can rely on for essential recovery.”
“As service providers, you are on the frontlines of this fight. Your role is not only to deliver services but also to make every survivor feel welcomed and supported. Empathy, active listening, and providing a safe space are critical to a survivor’s recovery,” she added.Related News
Adeleye noted that the establishment of the new SARC centres in Abeokuta, Ilaro, and Ijebu-Ode will complement the existing centre in Sagamu, thereby enhancing support for survivors by offering them refuge, access to justice, and medical and psychological care.
She also revealed that the state government, in collaboration with the UNFPA, has introduced toll-free lines for reporting GBV cases, with the numbers being 08000000666 and 08000000555.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Adejumoke Adewole, urged participants to use the retreat to exchange ideas and adopt global best practices to strengthen the collaborative efforts with stakeholders in combating GBV across the state.
Adewole reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice, compassion, and equality in handling gender-based violence cases.
Meanwhile, UNFPA Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst in the state, Dr Esther Shomefun, stressed the need to improve the skills of SARC service providers, making them effective problem solvers by providing standard care through a survivor-centred approach when dealing with GBV cases.
Shomefun praised the synergy between the Ogun State government and the UNFPA in supporting survivors and prioritising their welfare, noting that the organisation maintains a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment by SARC service providers.
