By Babatunde Philips

Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, SAN has made a plea to the Ekiti Women in Management (EKWIM) to increase efforts in tackling Gender Based Violence and Sexual Assault in the workplace.

Speaking at one of the virtual sessions of the EKWIM learning forum on leadership development programs, titled ” Tackling the menace of Sexual and Gender Based Violence SGBV in the Public Service: Role of Women in Management”, Fapohunda observed that despite the huge success recorded against SGBV in Ekiti State, the public service remains a critical sector needing radical efforts to eradicate workplace sexual harassment.

According to him, the state Ministry of Justice have come up with laws and policies such as GBV prohibition law, Child rights law, Naming and Shaming sex offenders, Policy against prerogative mercy for rapist, No plea bargain for sex offenders and establishment of Sexual Assault referral centre to nip the SGBV matters in the bud.
The Commissioner for Justice noted that many of the victims prefer complacency and self denial in pursuing justice.

He further explained that the newly revised Public Service Rules has taken care of workplace sexual harassment and so women must not spare any harassment in and outside the workplace.

He charged each Ministry and Parastatal to develop Gender Based Violence policies in relation to their job in order to provide clear guidance on how best to treat Sexual Assault Cases.

He called for sustainability of the efforts of the Fayemi led administration in the area of women and Children’s right protection while allowing the philosophy and the political will to permeate the civil service.

The Attorney General decried the assumed unhealthy workplace gossip which he said was preventing many victims from opening up while perpetrators are emboldened to continue.

Other contributors at the session included the permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Dr. Folakemi Olomomobi, the permanent Secretary office of establishment Mr Bayo Opeyemi among others who supported the need for a Safe Space for victims of SGBV. The centre they said must be equipped with experience retired civil servants with proven integrity to provide guidance and counselling to victims.

Participants on the virtual session were informed that the world bank was ready to partner with the state in providing Safe Centres in each of the Local government areas of the state for survivors of sexual and Gender based violence.

Earlier the EKWIM Coordinator , the Permanent Secretary Capacity Development and Reform, Mrs. Oyeyemi kayode-Ojo highlighted the objectives of EKWIM to include empowerment of female officers and encouraging healthy habits that will command respect in their workplace .
Mrs. Kayode-Ojo said women in management would continue to assist in preparing female officers in the public service for leadership roles.

EKWIM which is an association of top female officers in the Ekiti State Public service is one of the legacies of the immediate past head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi.