The Bayelsa State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) has joined the rest of the world to draw global attention to the scorge of gender based violence as concerted efforts are made to combat it.

The wife of the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Mrs Gloria Diri who doubles as the Chairperson, GRIT made the remark at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House where she led her team members, CSOs which include relevant, ministries, departments, agencies and several Non-Governmental Agencies to observe the annual United Nations Campaign on 16 days of activism against Gender Based Violence which is to run from Wednesday, November 25, 2020 to Thursday, December 10, 2020 with the theme; Orange the world: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect.

She assured that GRIT is working in the frontline to handle cases of Gender Based Violence, provide medical attention and legal services, carryout sensitization campaigns to educate the public pending when the state House of Assembly will domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) bill into law, noting that justice served on time will bring succor to victims and their loved ones.

The first lady further appreciated the Chief Judge, Kate Abiri, commissioners, wifes of political appointees, all members of the state House of Assembly especially the sponsor of the bill, Honorable Tari Porri for the unwavery support to ensure that the VAPP bill is domesticated in Bayelsa state.

Mrs Diri also took time out to encouraged parents to help in curtailing Gender Based Violence from the home front by guiding children aright.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for health, Doctor Newton Igwele stated that 70 percent of women are victims of Gender Based Violence and 16 percent of women who have been abused are more likely to have low birth weight babies and they are twice as likely to have forced abortion.

The commissioner who was represented by the Director of Public Health in the ministry, Doctor Stow revealed that the ministry has rolled out programs to ensure victims have adequate health care and welfare packages.

In their separate goodwill messages, the commissioner for Women, Children Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Faith Opene and Secretary to the state government, Rt Hon. Konbowei Benson, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Service Bureau assured that they will do all within their reach go to the nooks and crannies of the state to sensitize people on their rights in a bid to rid Bayelsa State of Gender Based Violence.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Police, Michael Okoli who was represented by DCP Aminu Hassan in his goodwill message promised that the police force will render continues support in the fight against gender based violence.

The GRIT Coordinator, Mrs Maria Olodi-Osumah stated that the Covid-19 Pandemic increased the GBV as over 100 cases have been recorded this year.

She encouraged everyone to be gatekeepers in churches, schools and everywhere they find themselves.

The Deputy Coordinator, Gender Response Initiative Team, Dise Ogbise Esq in a presentation titled Consequences of Gender Based Violence listed some consequences to include loss of lives, broken homes, girls dropping out of school, victims of sexual violence suffer sexual and reproductive consequences like HIV, unsafe abortion and others.

Barr. Dise Ogbise stated the way forward to include, reporting all cases to Gender Response Initiative Team, Speaking Up and Collect back our rights as women.

The high point of the event was the unavailing of the Gender Based Violence hotline 08031230660 and office address located at Green Villa Road, Biogbolo, Yenagoa.

Is okay.

Mama Bayelsa.

Condemning? What's Changed
Our leaders are not even troubled and passionate about the state of this country..... Wahala for who no get plan to leave Nigeria...

Good one from Mama Diri. Everyone is a stake holder in the fight against gender violence.