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Mrs. Abimbola Fashola addressing the audience during 10th Anniversary of the Project Alert & Shelter Fundraising.



Mrs. Abimbola Fashola (3rd L) joins Mrs. J. Effah-Chukwuma (2nd L), Mrs. Joke Orelope Adefulire (L) and others to cut the 10th Anniversary Cake.

Speeches

May 31, 2009 - Project Alert 10th Anniversary & Shelter Fundraising

I like to start by congratulating the Executive Director, Mrs. Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, Board of Trustees, all members of Project Alert on Violence against Women on the 10th anniversary celebrations. I commend all you have been doing over the past one decade to bring to the forefront the issue of gender based violence and also offer support services to physically and sexually abused women and young girls.

Violence against women is a universal problem and has been described as one of the most widespread violations of human rights. Statistics have shown that at least one out of every 3 women around the world would experience one form of violence or the other including sexual, physical, emotional abuse, trafficking, harmful traditional practices.

If we consider the natural role women play in the society as mothers, wives and very importantly as contributors to socio-economic development, we will understand the enormity of this problem. Beyond the emotional and psychological trauma suffered as a result of the health and economic implications of violence, the loss suffered by the society is very huge. So, whichever way we chose to look at it, the fact remains that violence against women is retrogressive and therefore must not be condoned by any civilized and forward looking society.

One of the ways in which we as individuals can contribute to the process of addressing this problem is to ensure that we do not in any way encourage gender inequality which has been identified as the main source of gender violence.

I am proud to associate with Project Alert on Violence Against Women and would also like to encourage individuals and organisations to support their efforts by contributing generously to this shelter Fundraising. Victims of gender violence are our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, neighbours and colleagues. It is therefore our responsibility to rise up in their support.

Once again, I congratulate the Project Alert family and wish you success in all your efforts.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State