By: Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, has pledged to continue collaborating with religious, community, and traditional leaders to address the rampant cases of gender-based violence in the state.
This commitment was made known during a one-day community dialogue meeting with traditional and religious leaders on strengthening stakeholders actions for GBV prevention, held at Giade Local Government Area of the state.
In his speech on the collective responsibilities of community leaders in combating gender-based violence issues, Mallam Aliyu Umar Darazo from the State Ministry for Women Affairs and Child Development explained that traditional rulers have a crucial role to play in preventing GBV and promoting a safer environment for women and children in their respective communities.
He charged participants at the community dialogue meeting to step down the knowledge acquired to their various communities towards achieving the set objectives.
A resource person at the dialogue engagement, Huzaifa Abubakar, emphasized the need for community leaders, parents, and guardians to monitor their children’s activities for the betterment of society.
He stated that the state government would soon provide and disburse posters and stickers containing key messages advocating for people to understand the Violence Against Persons (VAP) Law.
In their separate responses, the Chief Imam of Giade LGA, Alhaji Salihu Aliyu, and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Giade LGA Branch, Reverend Gayus Hamidu, promised to continue preaching to the faithful on the dangers and implications of gender-based violence, particularly sexual abuse, according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the Jesus Christ.
Speaking on behalf of persons living with disabilities, Malama Kande Garba and Abubakar Muhammad, commended ActionAid Nigeria and the Bauchi State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development for organizing the impactful dialogue meeting, describing it as a welcome development that would help shape the future of their society.
Mallam Ahmadu Adamu Giade, in charge of the Welfare Unit, Giade Local Government Area, explained that his LGA had already been taking proactive measures to address the issues of gender-based violence affecting adolescents and children.
He promised to apply the new methods captured during the training towards addressing the rampant cases of GBV in Giade LGA.