BOWFT 2023: Edo, other Governors’ wives recommit to fight against gender-based violence

Mrs. Betsy Obaseki displaying the BOWFT trophy at the opening ceremony of the competition in Benin…on Monday.

One of the biggest gains of the just-concluded Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT) was the demonstration of unity by the wives of the country’s states governors’ wives to the battle against gender-based violence.

Although the players, their officials and football fans were unanimous in their verdict that the competition won by Edo Queens Football Club, has brought to the fore the abundance of talents in the country’s women’s game, the ultimate winner was the fight against gender-based violence.

At the closing ceremony of the competition, Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki and other members of the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) made the case for grooming and empowerment of the girl-child, restating their commitment to ending the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

Speaking during a seminar held alongside the tournament, Mrs. Obaseki said the Edo State government has over the past seven years prioritised policies to protect the girl-child and ensure their wellbeing.

She noted: “This is the third year of this tournament, as we set out from the beginning not only to play football but to fight and address social vices that affect women and girls.

We address issues that are prevalent in society.

“The issue around GBV is a fight for all of us as the governors’ wives. We came together to fight and will continue to fight until there is zero tolerance for this issue in Nigeria.

“During our first outing, we got recognition from FIFA as they gave us an award for the initiative and for using the platform to empower our girls. We are trying year after year to maintain the height of