The Oyo State Government has inaugurated two committees for effective and sustainable management of gender related issues.
The programme, which is in commemoration of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, was put together by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion.
It is part of efforts by the state government in the fight against against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and other sexual and Gender Based Violence (GBV).
A-20-man Steering Committee and 55-man Technical Working Group were inaugurated by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun on Wednesday at the event held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Local Government House, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The committees are expected to come up with the Oyo State Action Plan within three months of inauguration.
The Steering Committee members include; Commissioners for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Abiodun Aikomo, Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetumobi, Trade and Commerce, Hon. Adebisi Adeniyi, Education, Professor Salihu Adelabu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of information, Mr. Rotimi Babalola among others.
Also, the Technical Working Committee has representatives from the civil society organizations, development partners and other relevant stakeholders as members.
Inaugurating the twins committees, Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, said that Oyo State is committed to building a society where gender related issues are effectively and sustainably managed through collaborative, multi-sectoral approach that transcends ministries, agencies and departments.
In her speech, Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and Chairperson of the Steering Committee, Toyin Balogun, said the strategic platform is not just to tackle FGM but holistic gender responsive governance and interventions that ensure inclusive, just and equitable society.
According to her, ending FGM and tacking gender based violence requires full commission of government agencies, civil society, development partners, community leaders and the media
She charged both committees to approach the task with urgency, dedication, and Innovation stating that the three months deadline for developing the Oyo State Action Plan provides an opportunity to lay a strong foundation for long- term progress.
In their separate goodwill messages, representatives of partnering agencies and groups, including UNICEF expressed optimism that the effort would drastically reduce FGM and gender based violence in the state.
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