Gombe State has joined the global community in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with a call to action to unite and eliminate violence against women and girls.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe, Hajiya Halima Mahdi, emphasised the need for collective action to address the menace of gender-based violence.
“Gender-based violence is a global problem that requires a collective response,” Mahdi said. “We must work together to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.”
Mahdi cited statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) that one in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
In Nigeria, according to the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018, 9 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered sexual assault at least once in their lifetime, and 31 per cent had experienced physical violence.
Mahdi identified types of gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, human trafficking, and online harassment and abuse.
She emphasised the need for policy and legislative reforms, community-based initiatives, and school-based programs to reduce and eliminate gender-based violence.
“We must unite to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls,” Mahdi said. “Everyone has a role to play in this effort.”
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign that began in 1991 and takes place from November 25 to December 10.
On her part, Wife of Gombe State Governor, Asma’u Yahaya, called for the required collaborations towards ending violences against women and girls.
“From recent statistics 35 per cent of women have experienced physical violence in their lifetime. Additionally, 59.3 per cent of women in Gombe State have experienced physical violence since their 15 years of age. The need to eradicate violence has been recognised 2030 agenda for sustainable development,” Yahaya added.
Also, Gombe State Chief Judge Sadiyya Mohammed, called for attention for children including boys, saying “Boys are also being molested too and the rate is becoming alarming.”
Mohammed assured of needed support from judiciary in tackling GBV cases, “In Gombe State the judiciary is committed in ensuring justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable by providing enabling environment where victims can seek redress without fear of victimisation. It’s not the job of the judiciary alone but collaboration from Civil Society Organisations, others,” she added.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Asma’u Iganus, urged wives of Local Government chairmen to give the needed support.
“Also, another key issue is that of appealing to all our Local Government Council Chairmen to synergise with their wives in ensuring that they inaugurate the Child Protection Committee at various local government and Ward levels.
“The same also go to all female political appointees and female stakeholders, so as to work in tandem with their respective communities as part of their humanitarian contribution.
“I am equally extending my passionate appeal to all our Religious and Traditional Rulers, including our partners and donor agencies, Community-Based Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, members of the press, the judiciary and all the security agencies to liaise in declaring a state of emergency to collectively fight against violence on women, girls and persons with special needs,” she added.
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