By Our Reporter
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Esu of Jikwoyi, His Royal Highness Rev. Bawa Jetta, has commended Group 5 Students of Set 24, Centre for Leadership Strategy Development, for sensitising women in the community on the dangers, effects and response mechanisms to gender-based violence.
The royal father gave the commendation at his palace while receiving the students shortly after an awareness session held for women in Jikwoyi.
Rev. Jetta strongly condemned all forms of violence against women, stressing that women were created by God to complement men and therefore deserve to be treated with love, dignity and respect.
He expressed concern over the rising cases of violence against women and girls, including rape, physical abuse and economic violence, which he said have become increasingly prevalent in society.
The traditional ruler warned perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence that they would not only face the full weight of the law but also divine punishment.
According to him, sexual relations must always be based on mutual consent, adding that no form of abuse against women should be tolerated.
Speaking during the sensitisation programme, facilitator Miss Rosemary Ojo urged women to speak out whenever they experience any form of gender-based violence.
She advised survivors of rape not to wash their clothes or bathe immediately after an incident in order to preserve vital evidence that could aid investigation and prosecution.
Miss Ojo noted that silence often emboldens perpetrators and discourages justice for victims.
Earlier, the group leader, Mr. Solomon Francis, explained that the advocacy campaign was organised to encourage women to report cases of abuse and ensure offenders are held accountable.
He said exposing perpetrators would serve as a deterrent to others and help reduce the growing incidence of violence against women in society.
Participants at the programme expressed appreciation for the awareness campaign, describing it as enlightening and timely.
The women leader, Mrs. Blessing Boshara, pledged that women in the community would unite to resist, expose and report all forms of violence against women and girls.
