Ogun Assembly combats gender violence with stronger legislative backing to empower women and protect vulnerable groups across the state
The Ogun State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its dedication to legislative action as Ogun Assembly combats gender violence and ramps up efforts to protect women and empower vulnerable populations in the state.
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The Speaker of the Assembly, Daisi Elemide, gave the assurance on Monday during a parliamentary dialogue on gender-based violence, gender mainstreaming, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), held in Abeokuta.
The event was hosted by the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC).
Elemide stated that the Assembly is fully committed to backing all legislative frameworks that promote inclusion, gender equity, and socio-economic empowerment of the vulnerable.
“The Ogun State House of Assembly is a big supporter of He for She” he said.
“For instance, the very first day the Diversity Equity and Inclusion (Establishment) Bill was brought was the day it passed first reading. Women must not relent — power is not served à la carte but taken. You must never be tired or grow weary.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adeleye, described the dialogue as a vital step in building a society where marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities, can thrive.
She said gender-based violence, discrimination, and child abuse are not just social concerns, but public health crises and threats to national development.
Power is not served à la carte but taken — women must never grow weary in demanding what rightfully belongs to them.
“When a child is molested or a woman is silenced, a generation loses its voice,” Adeleye said.
“The real perpetrators don’t carry placards — they hide behind our silence, our inaction, and the loopholes in our systems.”
She urged the implementation and enforcement of existing laws, warning that without action, intentions will never translate into justice.
Adeleye highlighted that the DEI Commission Bill, with its 45 sections, aims to promote fairness, equal opportunity, and institutional accountability across the state.
Deputy Speaker Bolanle Ajayi, sponsor of the DEI (Establishment) Bill 2025, said the proposed law seeks to end all forms of discrimination and promote full participation of underrepresented groups in society, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, founder of WARDC, called the bill a powerful instrument to reduce the rising trend of gender-based violence in Ogun State and help women assert their place in society.
On her part, Mrs Mosunmola Owo-Odusi, OGSTEP Project Director, revealed that the World Bank-assisted initiative has trained thousands of women and established four Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across Ogun State.
These centres offer survivors of GBV access to medical care, legal support, and referrals.
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Owo-Odusi appealed to the Assembly to strengthen legislative support and push for increased budgetary allocation towards programmes designed to protect and uplift women and vulnerable communities.
