The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, will on Wednesday July 8 co-chair the National Assembly on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria at 5pm.
The special hearing, according to a press release issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Yomi Odunuga, is in a joint session of the Senate and House Committees on Human Rights, Health, Women’s Affairs, Police Affairs, NGOs and the Judiciary.
The aim is to gather feedback that will support NASS’ effort to develop and implement a clear plan to address systemic challenges and obstacles that impede access to justice and comprehensive support services for survivors.
According to the joint panels, the special session will hold in two parts: a virtual participation by the public and followed by a closed session to facilitate survivors’ testimonies.
The statement read in part, “There have been rampant cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across the country, with some advocating for stiffer penalties for offenders.”
This special hearing, as noted, will provide an opportunity for SGBV survivors to give first-hand account of their experiences, with a view to highlighting the current gaps in the provision of services and access to justice for survivors.
The joint committees, therefore, encouraged key stakeholders and the public, who wish to follow the proceedings, to join the live stream on:
Zoom: Meeting ID: 828 7520 9478 Live streaming on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/omoagege1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ovieomoagege
