Benue State has taken a significant step in addressing the pressing issue of gender-based violence by partnering with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to host a one-day conference. The event, which focused on tackling gender-based violence at the grassroots level, brought together 23 Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen.
Prominent attendees included Argon Chairman Orwough Maurice, chairmen from Tarka and Gboko LGAs, Sir James Iorapuu, the SEMA Boss, and Josephine Haba, the Director-General of the Benue State Peace Commission. Hon. Orwough led chairmen of councils in the state and their spouses to the event aimed at addressing gender discrimination at the local government level.
The collaboration between the Benue State government and UNFPA underscores the commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. By engaging LGA chairmen and other stakeholders, the conference aimed to develop effective strategies for preventing and responding to gender-based violence at the community level.
This initiative is particularly significant, given the importance of addressing gender-based violence in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality. The UNFPA has been working to address gender-based violence in various states, including Sierra Leone, where they supported the establishment of a GBV 116 toll-free hotline to provide counseling and referral services to survivors of GBV.
