Gbaja, Omo-Agege To Chair Hearing On SGBV
The National Assembly will on Wednesday, July 8, hold a special hearing on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
The session which is expected to be co-chaired by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, will hold by 5 pm in a joint session of the Senate and House Committees on Human Rights, Health, Women’s Affairs, Police Affairs, NGOs and the Judiciary.
According to the joint panels, the special session will hold in two parts: a virtual participation by the public, followed by a closed session to facilitate survivor testimonies.
There have been rampant cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence across the country in recent times, with some advocating for stiffer penalties for offenders.
This special hearing will provide an opportunity for SGBV survivors to give a 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 aim is to gather feedback that will support the National Assembly’s 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.
