By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women and girls, as it hosted an advocacy delegation from the Center for the Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV) in collaboration with the Norwegian Government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The advocacy visit, led by Professor Hauwau Evelyn Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of CERSDOV, aimed to enhance collaboration with the state legislature on the effective implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) law and the Child Rights Act, while also advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Gombe State.
Welcoming the delegation, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo, praised CERSDOV and its partners for their dedication to addressing gender-based violence and improving the welfare of women and girls.
He noted that under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the state has demonstrated strong political will to safeguard women’s rights and dignity, citing the passage of key gender protection laws and ongoing empowerment initiatives.
“Our government remains committed to ensuring a society where women and girls live free from violence, fear, and discrimination. The Assembly will continue to provide legislative backing to all efforts that promote gender equity and justice,” Luggerewo assured.
The Speaker also revealed that the state government, in partnership with the Federal Government and the World Bank, recently disbursed over ₦7 billion to support girl-child education and women’s empowerment programs.
Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Gabriel Galadima, commended CERSDOV and its development partners for their impactful work across the state, pledging that the Assembly will ensure full enforcement of the VAPP Law and other gender-related legislations.
In her remarks, Professor Hauwau Evelyn Yusuf appreciated the Assembly for its commitment and legislative support but emphasized the importance of practical enforcement of the laws.
“Domestication is only the first step. What truly matters is ensuring implementation, justice, and accountability. The violation of one girl child is a violation against the entire nation,” she stated.
Professor Yusuf highlighted that CERSDOV, with support from UNFPA and the Norwegian Government, has trained community ambassadors, local officials, and law enforcement agencies across Gombe to combat gender-based violence, especially in rural communities.
The meeting concluded with both parties pledging stronger collaboration to reinforce gender protection mechanisms and ensure effective enforcement of laws promoting the rights and dignity of women and girls in Gombe State.