By Muhammad Sani Muazu
Plan International, under its Aspire Project and with funding from Global Affairs Canada, organized a community engagement session in Bauchi State as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The event brought together key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, parents, and children, to address the ongoing issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and promote gender equality.
Damaris Philemon, Gender Equality and Inclusion Officer for Plan International’s Aspire Project, underscored the importance of engaging men in efforts to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV). Speaking during a community engagement in Bauchi State, Philemon emphasized the need for inclusive strategies that involve men as key allies in addressing the persistent issue.
“Our theme, ‘Engaging Men to Empower Women,’ reflects the critical role men play as community gatekeepers. They are uniquely positioned to lead discussions, promote womanhood, and drive actionable solutions to prevent GBV,” Philemon explained.
She added that Plan International is committed to ensuring every girl in Bauchi State and Nigeria is safe, educated, and empowered to thrive.
Philemon further highlighted the Aspire Project’s focus on preventive measures, linking communities to GBV service providers, and creating referral pathways for survivors.
She noted that sexual and gender-based violence, especially rape, remains a significant barrier to girls’ education and development, reaffirming Plan International’s dedication to creating safe spaces for adolescent girls to learn, lead, and excel.
Traditional leaders also played a prominent role during the event. Sulaiman Ahmad Bashir, Ward Head of Dan Iya, emphasized the responsibility of traditional and religious leaders in combating GBV through education.
“As leaders, we actively engage parents and religious institutions to educate children about sexual and gender-based violence,” Bashir said. He revealed that his committee had handled over 40 cases of SGBV in the past year and called on parents to protect their children from risky situations, such as hawking, which often exposes girls to abuse.
Rashida Yusuf, Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Bauchi State Chapter, commended Plan International’s ongoing efforts to safeguard girls in the region. “Their commitment to empowering women and protecting the rights of girls is a significant contribution to our society,” she stated.
The event brought together traditional and religious leaders, parents, children, and other stakeholders to address GBV and foster community-driven solutions.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.