Gender advocates laud IG’s drive to tackle GBV
Also, Gender advocates have lauded the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s approval for the establishment of Gender-Based Violence desks in all police divisions nationwide.
They view the initiative as a significant step towards enhancing access to justice for GBV survivors.
In February, Egbetokun approved the expansion of Gender-Based Violence desk offices to all police divisions nationwide.
The police said the initiative aimed to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and ensure easier access to justice for citizens.
“Previously limited to zonal and state commands, GBV desk offices will now be established at the divisional level, ensuring that cases of gender-based violence receive prompt, specialised, and professional attention,” Police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement.
The President of Women Arise, Dr. Joe Odumakin, on Thursday, described it as “a welcome development” that aligns with global efforts to eradicate gender-based violence.
Odumakin commended the police chief for aligning his vision with rights advocates who had been championing the cause for easier access to justice for victims of GBV.
“It is a welcome development as it aligns with the policy direction of the United Nations to eradicate gender-based violence around the world,” she said.
Similarly, an international gender and development expert, Olufunke Baruwa, commended the IGP’s decision, calling it a “transformative initiative” that would make GBV support more accessible, particularly for victims in rural and underserved areas.
She added that the decentralisation is a bold commitment to improving access to justice for survivors across Nigeria, saying that the previous arrangement that had GBV desks restricted to zonal and state commands made it difficult for many survivors to report cases due to distance, transportation costs, and systemic delays.
“As one of the experts who developed and facilitated the policy to have gender desks in police commands and stations across the country as well as GBV desk offices in commands, I can say that this singular move will ensure that GBV prevention and response efforts by the police are closer to the most vulnerable and those at the margins of society who desperately need these services.
“This initiative also has the potential to increase reporting rates, as victims may feel more encouraged to seek help knowing that there are trained officers nearby who understand the sensitivity of GBV cases.
“Additionally, the presence of dedicated desks at all police divisions can lead to quicker response times, more effective investigations, and a greater likelihood of holding perpetrators accountable,” she said.
Corroborating Baruwa, the Founder and Executive Director of the Stop the Abuse Against Women and Children Foundation, Toyin Ndidi Taiwo-Ojo, said the expansion of GBV desks was expected to significantly improve reporting rates, case management, and investigations.
“Many victims previously faced challenges such as delayed reporting, inadequate support, and insufficient investigation due to the limited number of GBV desks. Now, they can easily report cases, receive immediate attention, and access the support they need,” she explained.
She added that trained officers would be key to the success of the initiative, a position strongly supported by Baruwa.
