Last Updated on March 14, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide

By Femi Dansu

The Agricultural Media Resources and Extension Centre (AMREC) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has partnered with Mercy Link, a Non-Governmental Organisation, to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD). The event, held today, March 12, 2025, was aimed at raising awareness about domestic violence and promoting gender inclusion.

Mercy Link, based in Abeokuta, supports survivors of domestic violence through advocacy, counselling, education, and community outreach. The organisation provides essential services such as rental assistance, tailored safety plans, and referrals to ensure victims regain their dignity and reintegrate into society.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde said that IWD served as a reminder to uphold family values and address pressing social issues. He called for a holistic approach to tackling domestic violence, describing it as a menace that undermines societal stability. He commended AMREC and Mercy Link for providing a platform for collective action.

In his remarks, Prof. Jacob Olaoye, Director of AMREC, highlighted the significance of this year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action, Inspire Inclusion.” He noted that inclusion goes beyond representation, urging the University to lead by example in fostering a safe and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of gender.

The Coordinator of Gender Issues and Youth Development (GIYD), Dr. Olubukola Idowu underscored the importance of unity in addressing domestic violence. She noted that the event coincided with Women’s Week, a time to celebrate women’s resilience while reaffirming their right to safety, value, and protection.

Dr. Idowu stressed that the programme was aimed at deepening understanding of domestic violence and equipping women with preventive strategies. She emphasised the need for a culture of empathy and support, encouraging participants to listen, engage, and take meaningful action.

Prof. Petra Abdulsalam-Saghir, Head of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (AERD) and the first Resource Speaker, categorised domestic violence into physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. She identified warning signs such as unexplained bruises, fear, mood swings, and social withdrawal, urging victims and communities to recognise these indicators and take action.

The second Resource Speaker, Prof. Grace Sokoya, in her presentation “Speak Up, Break the Silence”, described domestic violence as a cycle of control and intimidation. She stressed that silence enables abuse, and speaking out was the first step in breaking the cycle of violence.

Both speakers shared alarming global and local statistics, revealing that nearly one in three women (approximately 736 million worldwide) experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. They proposed strategies such as active listening, leveraging technology, and fostering collaborations to combat domestic violence and support survivors.

The event was attended by Prof. Olalekan Oyekunle, Deputy Director of AMREC, alongside Directors, staff members, and stakeholders. The collaboration between AMREC and Mercy Link reinforces FUNAAB’s commitment to promoting gender equality, social justice, and a society free from violence.