Rauf Oyewole, Bauchi
Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Aisha Bala Mohammed, UNFPA and other development partners in the state have flagged off the 16 days activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Speaking at the commemoration of this year’s activism, Aisha Bala Mohammed, said that the administration of his husband is committed to protection of women and girls against the monster threatening their welfare.
According to her, the 16 days activism is a collaboration between the government institutions and key stakeholders towards addressing issues affecting women and girls. She called for more collaboration with her efforts in bridging the gaps in women and children’s welfare.
The State Committee on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) has said that 80 persons were convicted in offences related to SGBV.
Also speaking, on the theme: “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Programme of Action: UNITE to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, the UNFPA Bauchi State Programme Officer and Gender RH Analyst, Deborah Tabara, said that countless women and girls endure the reality of gender-based violence (GBV) every day.
“UNFPA, in collaboration with ministries, departments, agencies and partners, stands in solidarity with them and is committed to taking decisive actions to achieve our transformative result of ending GBV and harmful practices.
“UNFPA is focusing on tracing the root, standing against Gender Based Violence. And will continue to call for global action to foster awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share innovative solutions to end the pandemic of violence against women and girls,” she said.
The 16 days of activism campaign has raised awareness, mobilised advocacy and inspired action to combat gender-based violence in all forms and remains committed to championing the rights and well- being of every individual, irrespective of gender, and to creating a world where every person can live free from fear and violence.
The activism is organised by the state ministry of women and child development in collaboration with government institutions and civil society organisations like, National Human Rights Commission, National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Plan International among others.