University don proffers solutions to gender-based violence
A Professor of Gender and Humanitarianism at the Centre for Gender and Humanitarianism and Development Studies, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Prof. Oluwatoyin Olatundun Ilesanmi, has proposed five priority solutions to address gender-based violence and complex humanitarian challenges in Nigeria. Ilesanmi made the recommendations on Thursday while delivering the university’s 24th inaugural lecture…
Prof. Oluwatoyin Olatundun Ilesanmi, a renowned Gender and Humanitarianism professor at Redeemer’s University in Ede, Nigeria, has unveiled a five-point strategy to tackle gender-based violence and humanitarian crises in her country. During her 24th inaugural lecture at the university, titled 'Vulnerability, Voice and Valour: Navigating Transformative Frontiers in Gender, Humanitarianism, and Psychosocial Wellbeing', Ilesanmi urged a complete overhaul of Nigeria's and Africa's crisis response methods.
She argued that current approaches to addressing such issues separately were no longer effective, advocating for a more integrated approach that covers gender, mental health, governance, security, and community wellbeing. Her first suggestion was the breaking down of academic silos that separate clinical practice from conflict and humanitarian settings, calling for universities and scholars to create integrated approaches to human wellbeing.
Ilesanmi advocated for treating gender as a core analytical lens rather than an add-on component in development and humanitarian efforts. She also stressed the importance of shifting from performative humanitarianism to trauma-informed and inclusive interventions, and ensuring organized care rather than relying on 'symbolic expressions of compassion'.
The professor highlighted the need to safeguard the psychosocial wellbeing of vulnerable individuals and caregivers, as well as the urgent pursuit of epistemic justice in documenting and utilizing marginalized voices. Regarding governance and security, Ilesanmi urged governments to go beyond symbolic condolences and enhance structural accountability in justice, governance, and security systems.
She emphasized that universities must become active protectors and intellectual pioneers in crises, rather than mere observers. Sustainable change, she said, requires the involvement of community, cultural, and religious leaders. Ilesanmi concluded her lecture by stressing that while vulnerability will always exist, collective courage can transform it from a death sentence into an opportunity for growth and progress.
Redeemer’s University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shadrach Akindele commended Ilesanmi for her work and thanked her family and the university community for their support of the inaugural lecture.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
