Olufolake Abdulrazaq, wife of Kwara governor, says Nigeria
can’t fight rape and other forms of sexual violence if those abused don’t speak
up.
In a live Instagram chat with Dolapo Badmus, a trained
domestic and sexual violence responder, on Thursday, Olufolake said speaking up
about it is the first major step to addressing the scourge.
“There is no way we can get to the bottom of issues
concerning rape if everyone keeps quiet. So, it’s important that those who have
been abused speak up about their abusers,” she said.
“I know sometimes, a lot of people cannot speak up because
they are threatened. That’s why we need to counsel people on why they should
speak up otherwise the abuse goes on for years without anything being done.
“But if people can speak up, the situation will be different
because that is the first step to sorting out the problem.”
The governor’s wife also stressed the need for collective
effort in combating gender-based violence in the country.
She revealed that several initiatives including launch of an
advocacy movement against rape in schools and the establishment of Ajike people’s
support centre have been put in place in Kwara to combat sexual violence.
The first lady also commended the decision by the Nigeria
Governors Forum (NGF) to declare a state of emergency on gender-based and
sexual form of violence in the country.
She, however, faulted the trend of focusing discussions
about sexual assaults around only females, calling for inclusive approach to
involve their male counterparts.
Badmus had recently featured Bisi Fayemi, wife of Ekiti
governor, in the series aimed at enlightening Nigerians on gender-based
violence.
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