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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed said women and girls experience various forms of violence notwithstanding the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended and various laws like the VAPP Law pledging to protect, promote and enforce the rights of all persons.
She made the remarks at the flag off of 16 Days of activism on gender-based violence, organized by the National Human Rights Commission and civil society organizations held in her office on Monday, 27 November, 2023.
The First Lady stated that gender-based violence is a menace that must be prevented saying, “therefore, cannot fail in our responsibilities of consolidating our efforts to ensure the dignity of our women and girls, therefore all hands must continue to work together to achieve our goal.”
Aisha emphasized her commitment to the fight against GBV and any form of abuses, especially against women and girls expressing her desire to see a Bauchi state that is free of gender based violence.
According to her, “I have taken various steps in the actualization of my desire for a violence free society. I established the Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (BSACSGBV) which is comprised of key stakeholders tasked with the responsibility of raising awareness, advocacy, legal and medical interventions on issues of SGBV, as well as humanitarian support to victims, survivors and their families.”
She stressed that,”I will continue to advocate for the passage and implementation of laws to ensure GBV issues are addressed. I have also through the Action Committee (BSACSGBV) established a Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC) and a safe space (shelter) for survivors of SGBV, as well as sensitizing our communities, especially at the grassroots on the effects and need to eradicate Gender Based Violence.”
She also assured that the efforts will be expanded assuring the people of Bauchi state that She will do more to ensure a Gender Based Violence free Bauchi state.
The First Lady said that the theme for the 2023 Activism “Invest to prevent violence against women and girls” is reflective of the efforts and determination by all stakeholders to ensure the dignity and wellbeing of women, girls and the society.
“And I commend the National Human Rights Commission for bringing together various stakeholders, speaking with one voice and united to speak out and make concerted efforts in the fight against GBV. I encourage all stakeholders not to relent in their efforts, but to continue in the struggle for a violence free society,” she added.
Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief
(Dr) Tony Ojukwu, stated that the Commission stands resolute in its commitment to address critical issues affecting the rights of women and girls.
Represented by the Bauchi State Coordinator, Yahcit Dala, he explained that this day serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to confront and alleviate the multifaceted challenges faced by women and girls and by extension the larger society.
According to him, the 16 days of activism against Gender based violence is an international campaign that takes place every year, commencing from 25 November, which is the international day for the Elimination of violence against women and ends on 10th December, which is the international human rights day.
Ojukwu stated that, “It is an unequivocal truth that a society that invests in the wellbeing, progress and independence of women reaps immeasurable benefits. Our efforts towards fostering an environment that champions and priorities the Rights of women to Reproductive health, education and economic empowerment will lay a foundation for a more equitable and violence free society which empowers women to make informed decisions and choices that benefits them and promote their well-being and rights.”
The NHRC Executive Secretary stated that this year’s theme urges people to reflect deeply on the various prevention strategies needed to halt violence at its roots just as it prompts them to channel their efforts into initiatives that safeguard the rights and dignity of every woman and girl.
He disclosed that to celebrate this year’s 16 days of activism, the Commission has earmarked series of programmes of activities on Human rights issues particularly Rights of women and girls and advocacy visits to key stakeholders in collaboration with partners such as the Office of the First Ladies, NBA, FIDA and CSOs across the 36 states of Nigeria and FCT.
According to him, the Commission in fulfilling its Human rights mandate especially Rights of Women and girls has a dedicated Department, which handles only issues of Rights of women and children and dedicated toll free lines and call centre for reporting of GBV complaints.
The Commission in 2021 established SGBV panels in the geographical region of the country and currently it has an ongoing Special investigative Panel for Allegations of abortion and SGBV in the North East counter insurgency operations.
Also, recently the Commission organised a National dialogue to create awareness on the menace of SGBV.
“As we celebrate this year’s 16 days of activism the Commission calls for, the Ratification of the Maputo protocol (which has very laudable provisions for protection of the rights of women). Concerted efforts by the security agencies especially the Nigerian Armed forces to rescue women and girls who are in captivity of insurgents and bandits”, he advocated.
The Commission also called for the Enactment of the Gender Equality bills by the National Assembly; Enactment of the VAPP by all State Houses of Assembly and for Bauchi State, the passage of the Child Protection Law.
On its part, the Commission reiterates its unwavering commitment to accelerate reconvening of the special Panel on SGBV.
It is also committed to working with stakeholders to enhance speedy investigation and resolution of SGBV Cases/Complaints stating, “Together, let us invest in tools and resources necessary to break the cycle of violence against women and girls and usher in the era of equality, respect and dignity for all.”
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