FIDA seeks stronger laws against gender-based violence

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, alongside other stakeholders in the justice sector, law enforcement and government institutions, has renewed calls for stronger legal frameworks and improved enforcement mechanisms to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in Ekiti State and beyond.

The call was the central focus of a multi-stakeholder dialogue on gender-responsive legislations and policies supported by Ford Foundation held in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with the theme: “Promoting Safer Environment for Women and Girls Using the Instrumentality of Gender Responsive Legislations & Policies.”

The dialogue, organised by FIDA Nigeria brought together key actors to assess the implementation of existing laws and explore reforms aimed at preventing GBV in the state.

Speaking at the event, the Country Vice President/National President of FIDA, Mrs. Eliana Martins represented by the Chairperson of the Ekiti State Chapter of FIDA, Mrs. Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards emphasised that effective prevention of GBV goes beyond enforcement, stressing the need for continuous review, harmonisation and strengthening of laws to reflect evolving societal realities.

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She explained that lessons from previous engagements revealed that many GBV-related laws are hindered by gaps, ambiguities and weak alignment with national and international standards, thereby limiting their effectiveness.

According to her, “laws addressing GBV often do not sufficiently capture prevention strategies, survivor protection mechanisms or institutional coordination and, in some cases, lack inclusive stakeholder input.”

She added that the dialogue provided a platform to integrate findings from earlier assessments, promote survivor-centred reforms and deepen collaboration between state and non-state actors.

In his goodwill message, the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, SAN, said the state had demonstrated leadership in protecting women through landmark legislations, including the Female Genital Mutilation Prohibition Law (2002), the Child Rights Law (2006) and the Gender-Based Violence Prohibition Law (2019).

He noted that the 2019 law marked a turning point in ensuring speedy trials and justice for victims, adding that the ministry maintains a register of convicted sex offenders to promote accountability.

“Ekiti State has maintained a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence, and we remain committed to prosecuting offenders and strengthening our legal systems,” the Attorney General said.

He further highlighted the role of the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in creating an enabling environment for women, as well as advocacy efforts led by the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji.

Also speaking, a Program Officer with FIDA Nigeria, Deborah Abodunde, said the initiative had earlier been implemented in Lagos and Plateau states before being extended to Ekiti, stressing that enforcement remains a major challenge.

“It is not enough to enact laws; implementation is key. Governments must ensure that existing laws are effectively enforced,” she said.

Abodunde also urged victims of abuse to break their silence, noting that speaking up is critical to accessing justice.

“If victims do not speak out, there is no way the system can respond. Reporting cases is the first step towards justice,” she added.

Participants at the dialogue agreed that while progress has been made, more work is required to ensure that gender-responsive legislations are not only robust but also effectively implemented.