Kwara Govt, UNFPA Collaborate To Strengthen GBV Data Collection
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA), has conducted a Gender Based Violence Case Information Management System (GBVCIMS) review and validation exercise towards strengthening Gender Based Violence (GBV) data collection in the State.
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peaking on the validation exercise at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ilorin, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, said the exercise aligned with the policy and strategic vision of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to institutionalise frameworks that protect the vulnerable groups, eliminate GBV and safeguard human dignity of the people of the State.
The Commissioner noted that the exercise was aimed at strengthening participants’ capacity in data collection and improving the reporting system on GBV, urging participants to make use of the tools developed by the Ministry to ensure adequate data collection.
Emphasising the importance of data collection, Chief Afolashade explained that it would ensure a unified and secured approach that would help track incidences, manage cases, provide adequate, swift, compassionate and holistic response for survivors.
The Commissioner commended European Union and UNFPA for their unwavering technical and financial support which, she said, underscored a shared global and local commitment to eradicating GBV and Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) in the State.
On her part, the Kwara State Coordinator of the UNFPA, Madam Gloria Enueze, said the data plays a vital role in ensuring proper planning for interventions from partners and encouraged the Ministry to sustain the tempo in eradicating GBV in the State.
Also, the Grant Specialist, Royal Heritage Health Foundation, Mr Raphael Ogundele, encouraged participants to continue partnering with the Ministry to eliminate GBV by submitting reported cases to the Ministry, adding that this would substantially assist in providing a robust response system for the State.
The validation exercise was attended by representatives of line Ministries, Security Operatives, Non-Governmental Organisations, Civil Society Organisations and staff of the Ministry, among others.
