“I therefore charge you to give these the focus and seriousness it deserves because we owe it to our children, and our Nation to resolve this task”.
The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice (SGF/PS) Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, OON, mni gave the charge at the Inaugural Ceremony on the Establishment of a Legal Pathway for the Prosecution of Perpetration of School Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) in Nigeria’’, in Abuja on Monday 19th June, 2023.
Jeddy-Agba called on members of the committee who came from diverse agencies to undertake the task, adding that the opportunity this offers is critical and it is the result of the vision, the will, the commitment to create a safe space for children and Nigeria.
According to her, “As part of the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Justice in access to Justice, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (HAGF) established a Committee on SRGBV to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) as a standard working tool/guideline to guide key stakeholders in Basic Education Institution (e.g. Unity Secondary Schools) across Nigeria to respond to cases of SRGBV when they occur”.
“The SRGBV Committee will therefore work together with the SRGBV Response Unit to facilitate and develop this document to provide a routine procedure to respond to these cases in schools”.
She explained that SRGBV occurs in multifarious dimensions and includes physical violence, sexual violence and psychological violence, such as verbal abuse, teacher-perpetrated abuse, including excessive punishment, sexual harassment or sexual coercion, bullying by peers, rape, physical assault, sexual assault and et al.
Jedy-Agba further explained that SRGBV is pervasive in many schools globally and constitutes both a crime and a violation of the human rights of children.
The Permanent Secretary pointed that the discourse about School Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) has been on the front burner in different for a as an emerging menace that can no longer be ignored and one which must be combatted decisively and squarely.
She equally noted that SRGBV as the name implies, school related gender-based violence include GBV occurring in schools, around school or as a result of school relationship.
SGF/PS who also inaugurated the 20-man committee members, convey her gratitude to their partners and sponsors of the occasion; UNESCO, through the EU-UN SPOTLIGHT Initiative for its outstanding contributions and support to the development of the criminal justice sector in Nigeria and the facilitation of other institutional reforms in the legal sector.
According to UNESCO Representative, Dr Stephen Onyekwelu, added that the gender based violence cannot be eradicated without education.
“Education is very good in trying to change one’s negative norms, attitudes and behaviour and we are doing several things to see how our educational system can address the issue of gender-based violence globally”.
Onyekwelu hoped that at the end of the day they will have SOP that will help in carrying out their duties effectively and efficiently.
Director Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Ejonebi Blessing Azorbo in her goodwill message said, “this is a turning point on the fight against gender based in the schools; bullying from student and among students, extort, cultism, sexual harassment and others”.
She pointed that today’s event was a very remarkable one, while calling for urgent decision for action from stakeholders as it would help students to get their dreams without molestation.
She said focus should be on human dignity, equality and building confidence in the system.
Also representative of the Nigerian Police Force ACP Eze Nneka, in her goodwill message gave the assurances of the IGP in investigating victims to ensure that the purpose of the event is not in vain.
Furthermore, Chief Health Assistant, Federal Ministry of Health Nwankwo Steven explained that SRGBV is a global issue and its giving the world a global concern.
Nwankwo said policies have been put in place but the issue still lingers, adding that it is not enough to develop policies and build capacities.
He assured total support by the ministry and urged stakeholders’ collaborations to combat the scourge.
Head of Sexual and Gender-Based Response Unit, Federal Ministry of justice, Ms. Yewande Gbola-Awopetu, expressed her utmost desire that their effort against the heinous crime as highlighted in the presentation by the SGF/PS will transcend to positive actions in the successful drafting of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for school related gender-based violence.
Gbola-Awopetu thanked the SGF/PS for her commitment to the fight against SGBV with particular focus on Access to Justice.
She added that SGF/PS is championing the cause of women and children and in the history of the ministry, Mrs Jedy-Agba has given them the most enabling platform to perform their duty.
Ogochukwu Igboamalu
For: Director (Information)
