Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria with support from @unicef_nigeria held a 1-Day Policy Advocacy Dialogue with Government Officials, Academia, Parliamentarians and Service Providers on Tackling Challenges Faced by Girls in Relation To Female Genital Mutilation, Child Marriage, Gender Based Violence, Violence Against Women and Children and Other Harmful Practices in Ilero Community of Kajola LGA Of Oyo State.
Participants at the Policy advocacy includes Ilero traditional Council and Custodians of Culture led by the King, Local Government Parliamentarians led by the Chairman of Iwa LCDA, Religious Leaders and Local authorities and other decision-makers which includes law enforcement agents, Youth and Women leaders, Academia, Community based organizations etc.
The Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria; Dr Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye welcome the stakeholders and thank them for honoring the invitation. He also thanked @UNICEF_Nigeria for supporting TBI. He explained the policy advocacy became necessary due to the fact that their are policy bottle necks which FGM, GBV, VAWC and Marriage thrieves. He enocurages policy makers and influencial leaders to pay attention provide necessary solutions to the Issues.
The Alero of Ilero land, Oba Wasiu Saka represented by High Chief Ajayi Sunday welcomed participants to the programme and thanked UNICEF and Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria for deeming it fit to implement such a wonderful programme to their town and pledge support for the successful implementation of the programme as the are doing ILERO community a favour that will better the community.
Speaking at the event the Chairman of Iwa Local Council Developemnt Authority- Hon. Oyediran Bolanle who was accompained by the LCDA Secretary and councilors expressed gratitude to UNICEF, Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria and Oyo state government. He promised to give necessary support to the program and enjoined parents to pay more attention to their wards.
Mr Benjamin Mbakwem, UNICEF FGM Consultant who came all the way from Abuja to attend the programme thanked the community on behalf of UNICEF Nigeria for the warm reception, Collaboration and supporting TBI to successfully implement the programme. He further express satisfaction at the community response to Care, protect and prevent child from harmful traditional practices which shows that all the TBI has reported in the past is very true.
Policy issues identified during various sessions and group works are;
1. People still believe tha FGM, GBV, VAWC as Religious requirement which religious leaders debunked and promised to take sensitization to another level. They will include FGM, GBV, VAWC and Child marriage education at Marriage counselling session, Nameing Ceremonies, Ramadan Lectures etc
2. FGM, GBV, VAWC and Child Marriage as cultural requirement. The traditional ruler and his cabinet made public pronouncement that FGM, GBV, VAWC and Child Marriage will henceforth not be considered a cultural requirement and sanctions has been imposed in the community! They will however send town criers to go to every nooks and cranies of the community to create awareness about this.
3. Lack of budgetary allocation for FGM, GBV, VAWC and Child marriage in the LGA annual budgets. The Chairman and the honourables present said they will work towards it and ensure is included in the next budget and also ensure timely release of the fund.
4. Support for the operationalization of Local Government technical committee. The LGA policy makers promised to provide every necessary support to ensure that things a working well for this committee.
