Bayelsa First Lady, Mrs. Gloria Diri on Wednesday constituted the State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) with a mandate to collectively fight Gender Based Violence GBV in the State.
Mrs. Diri chairs the team which comprises of heads of Women led organizations who have over the years been engaged in Advocacy and Sensitization activities to stem the tide of violence.
The wife of the governor who charged the team to ensure that all cases of GBV should be addressed within available means while waiting for the Domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act VAPP by the State House of Assembly.
Intimated that GRIT will provide a platform for comprehensive data collatlion, prompt intervention, medical, legal and other services as required to bring succur and relief to victims and survivors of GBV.
She commended the various groups for their efforts so far, adding that there is need for collaboration for a more effective approach to achieve success.
“Thank you all for agreeing to work as a team. We need to have a common voice, a force to fight and to push. Provisions are being made for offices, there will be no more working in isolation. I advise the teams to develop concise objectives and plans together.”
Speaking on behalf the newly constituted team, Dr. Juliet Tiebowei applauded the First Lady for the confidence reposed in them. She assured that the team will work hard, to actualize the dream of Mrs Diri in ensuring, that violence and other vices against women, children, and the vulnerable in society is reduced to the minimum.
Members of the newly constituted team include:
- Maria Olodi -Osumah coordinator
- Dise Ogbise- Deputy coordinator
- Tari Oliver- Secretary
- Dr Amalate Anne Obuebite- Asst. Secretary
- Mary Accrah- Financial Secretary
- Mrs Perekebina Kimia Berezi- Treasurer
- Tariere Egbegi – Director Legal
- Hajia Mariam Abeke- P.R.O.
- Dr Juliet Teibowei – Director of Guidance and Counseling
- Dr Omietimi Kojo- Director of medicals
- Dr Ebi Okpomo- Asst. Director of medicals..
A representative of the ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Education, the Police Gender Desk officer among others…
