Gender violence: Olowu, others underscore men’s role in safeguarding women, girls
By Abiodun Lawal
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, has emphasised the role of men in ensuring protection of women and girls in the family and the society at large.
Matemilola spoke at the fourth “Men-Only” town hall meeting organised by Women FM radio in collaboration with the Owu Palace on Wednesday in Abeokuta.
The traditional ruler stated that as fathers, brothers, husbands, and community members, men have a crucial role in fostering environments where women and girls can thrive and be protected.
He stressed that men play a crucial role in maintaining harmony at home, adding that the man, as head of the family, ultimately determines a home’s success.
“Also, a man should be blamed for a home that is full of atrocities and destructive character.
“There should be family bond, it helps to rebuild the society through rebuilding the families individually.
“Government have responsibility to ensure and enforce the law on those who violate women or rough handle them. Also, those who perpetrate physical assault, sexual assault and all of that,” he said.
Matemilola urged the people to speak out against any infringement on the rights of women and girls.
Keynote speaker, Tony Ojeshina, Asiwaju of Owu Kingdom, noted that urbanisation and modern pressures have eroded family bonds.
Ojeshina said that it was important to restore the spirit of communal living in a modern world.
“To strengthen family and community bonds, our children need more than financial support; they need time, guidance, and presence.
“The values we live at home as men are the values our children carry into society. If we want an honest and disciplined society, it begins with how we treat our spouses and respect elders,” he said.
According to Ojeshina, the strength of a nation is not only measured in its economy or its politics, but in the health of its families and the unity of its communities.
Others who spoke including DCP Gbenga Adeoye, Dr Idris Oni of Crescent University and Olumide Omosebi, a lawyer, concluded that men should protect women and girls.
They concurred that men must uphold the law by ensuring that perpetrators of sexual abuse and violence are brought to justice and that women and girls’ rights to economic and property ownership are respected. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yetunde Fatungase
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