BY ADAKOLE HASSAN, Sokoto –
The fight against Gender Based Violence(GBV) of whatever form in Sokoto state is beginning to gain more support as stakeholders have have appealed to all Nigerians to continue to speak out and ensure justice for survivors.
As part of their resolution at the end of the 16-day activism against GBV, HP, VAWG and SRHR, stakeholders agreed that the menace can only be halted or minimized when perpetrators are made to face the full wrath of the law.
Speaking at the series of sensitization workshops held within the 16 days activism, stakeholders in the state thanked governor Amimu Waziri Tambuwal for agreeing to sign VAPP, and assuring that CRA is also in the pipeline.
The CSOs further appreciated the State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs for their collaboration on the series of efforts towards ending GBV in the state
While decrying that the 420 cases of GBV so far recorded in the Sokoto state within the year were unacceptable, the stakeholders also use the workshops to sensitize and enlighten artisans, security agencies, commercial motorcycles/tricycle riders as well as caregivers in the consequences of GBV. .
The statement as endorsed by WRAPA, FIDA, STCI and 23 others and signed by Ankeli Emmanuel, acting Chairman, SGBV Response Media Team also appealed to survivors and their relatives to stop the culture of silence.
The statement read in part, “stakeholders in the 16 days activism while calling on the state government to fast track the signing of relevant extant bills such as VAPP, CRA and others geared towards safeguarding women and girl child, in the state into law, also decried the rising incidences of rape, sodomy, and other harmful practices against women, girls and adolescent boys across the state.
“The 16 days activism has no doubt not only brought together relevant stakeholders in the state towards entrenching the course of women and girl child emancipation but also helped to fashion out modalities to address occurrences of GBV with respect to dignity and reintegration of survivors without recourse to stigmatization”.
Stakeholders in the 16 days of activism also appealed to governor Amimu Waziri Tambuwal to sustain the monthly assistance to PLWD, the vulnerable and needy in the society.
Tambuwal was further urged to urgently establish more schools for people with special needs,
Stakeholders also used the 16 days activism period to thank all donor agencies, (SPotlight Initiate, EU-UN, UNICEF as well as implementing partners in the state for their tireless dedication to the course of humanity.
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply