Kwara’s first lady, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has called for united and sustained action against gender-based violence.

Mrs AbdulRazaq said that no religion or culture justifies abuse, oppression, or harmful practices.

Mrs AbdulRazaq made the call at a town hall and community advocacy meeting for traditional, religious and community stakeholders on Tuesday in Ilorin.

The Kwara first lady urged communities, government agencies and civil society groups to collaborate in promoting dignity, justice, compassion and respect for human life.

Mrs AbdulRazaq promised structural support and safe shelters for survivors of gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence is not only a violation of rights; it is a barrier to development, peace and social cohesion. Yet, beyond physical acts of violence, we must confront the harmful social norms that enable it — norms that excuse abuse, silence survivors, normalise inequality and teach our children that violence is acceptable or private.

“I commend the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for its consistent leadership in championing the protection, dignity and well-being of women, children and vulnerable persons across the country. I also extend sincere gratitude to the Ford Foundation for its partnership, technical support and commitment to social justice, equity and community-driven change,” Mrs AbdulRazaq said.

The commissioner for women affairs, Oluwakemi Afolashade, outlined the state government’s interventions, including emergency response centres, confidential reporting channels, and survivor support systems, designed to guarantee safety and dignity.

Mrs Afolashade added that more than 1,000 traditional rulers across the state had been trained to enhance community-level prevention and response.

Mrs Afolashade described the engagement as a call to action, urging traditional and religious leaders to support the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law and ensure that survivors are referred to appropriate authorities without fear or stigma.

She gave the hotline numbers 09035509221 and 08069710318, urging residents to contact the Ministry of Women Affairs whenever there are cases of domestic or sexual violence, abuse, neglect, among others.

(NAN)