On Thursday, the Edo government inaugurated the gender policy document as part of efforts to address gender-based violence (GBV) issues and to ensure equity, fairness, and justice among genders.

Inaugurating the policy in Benin, the wife of the governor, Betsy Obaseki, said the gender policy was put in place to correct, sanitise and address inequality and equal opportunities for all.

Ms Obaseki said, “My duty is to launch the policy, but before I do that, I would like to commend GIZ Nigeria for its support in the development and launch of this very important policy. This gender policy is not about women’s rights only. It is also about men’s rights, girls’ rights, boys’ rights, mentally and physically challenged peoples’ rights and the rights of every human being in society.

“Edo government is coming up with this policy and laws to address issues of social injustice, impropriety, and criminal acts and provide pathways for victims to get recourse and support. The policy is also to address issues relating to empowerment and women’s inability to access finance.”

Ms Obaseki said it was as a result of inequality that women were agitating for inclusion in politics and governance, against oppression and subjecting them to harmful traditions in society.

“Government is trying to enforce and institute God’s given rights so that everyone will have justice, equity and fair play in everything we do in our communities,” stated the Edo first lady.

She commended GIZ for partnering the Edo government.

Kate Okoh-Kpina, the diversity adviser of the Gender and Diversity (Equity and Inclusion) Secretariat, GIZ Nigeria, commended the government on the launch of the policy.

Ms Okoh-Kpina said, “With this launch, Edo has taken a huge stride in addressing gender and gender parity issues.”

Ms Okoh-Kpina added that GIZ Nigeria was committed to supporting the move through the Feminist Development Policy (FDP). However, she promised to continue using its Skills Development for Youth Employment (SKYE) project to advocate and encourage more gender-transformative approaches that promote women’s rights.

Ms Okoh-Kpina recalled that “before the call for the policy started, we had a gender-neutral approach, but now we have gravitated towards a more gender-sensitive, responsive and transformative approach where we try to change societal norms.

“We encourage both men and women to have equal opportunities. Taking a close look at the Feminist Development Policy that was launched by the German government in 2022, you will see that it is not just about human rights, but right representation and resources for women are being encouraged,” stated Ms Okoh-Kpina.

She added, “This is to create an enabling platform for women to have the right to own property and the right to act as surety.”

(NAN)