The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is embarking on measures to implement mobile courts aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the justice system in addressing gender-based concerns.
Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the Minister for Women Affairs, disclosed this development in Abuja. She unveiled plans for these specialized courts to be established in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, civil society groups, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and key stakeholders.
She explained that, the Mobile Courts will work closely with the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Justice, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, and security agencies to develop innovative strategies for enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, combating sexual and gender-based violence, and addressing female genital mutilation.”
Mrs Ohanenye also mentioned plans to employ town criers in remote areas for awareness campaigns and to introduce incentives for whistle-blowers to encourage the reporting of such issues.
The Minister pledged to launch new empowerment initiatives within her first 100 days in office, emphasizing their positive impact on vulnerable women. She stated that the essence is to encourage women’s groups to establish registered cooperatives with the Ministry.
This strategy will empower the government to furnish women with diverse production machinery, ultimately bolstering economic growth and improving the well-being of women. Consequently, these women will actively participate in the nation-building.