Ayodeji Ayenuwa
In a move to tackle gender-based issues effectively, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, led by Minister Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, is set to launch ‘mobile’ courts.
These courts will streamline the justice process when handling matters related to gender-based violence and other critical concerns.
Minister Ohanenye made this announcement during a press conference, emphasizing collaboration with key stakeholders.
She stated, “The Mobile Courts will work closely with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Justice, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, and security agencies to develop innovative strategies for enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, combating sexual and gender-based violence, and addressing female genital mutilation.”
This initiative signifies a fundamental shift in how gender-based issues are addressed in Nigeria. It will bring justice closer to the affected individuals and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable swiftly.
Additionally, the Ministry is taking steps to increase awareness in remote areas through the employment of town criers.
Minister Ohanenye highlighted the importance of this approach, saying, “We plan to employ town criers in remote areas for awareness campaigns and to introduce incentives for whistle-blowers to encourage the reporting of such issues.”
Minister Ohanenye has also committed to launching empowering initiatives within her first 100 days in office, with a focus on supporting vulnerable women.
These initiatives include encouraging women’s groups to establish registered cooperatives with the Ministry. She emphasized that this approach would, “enable the government to provide them with various production machines, ultimately contributing to economic growth and enhancing the livelihoods of women, who will, in turn, play a role in nation-building.”
Techrectory with Agency Report.
