Bauchi First Lady, Technical Committee Organizes Seminar on SGBV

Bauchi First Lady, Technical Committee Organizes Seminar on SGBV

By Bashir Hassan Abubakar

Towards strengthening the institutional structures in tackling Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Bauchi State, office of the Bauchi state first lady in collaboration with the state Action committee on SGBV has organized a one day sensitization seminar for key stakeholders on psychological and economic effects of SGBV in the community

In her address at the event, the state first lady Hajiya Aisha Bala Muhammed said the trauma and psychological depression victims of SGBV are going through cannot be fully comprehended and hence the need to show compassion , care and support to such victims.

Hajiya Aisha Mohammed, who is the patron of the SGBV committee said there is need to reach out to victims of SGBV in their communities and homes to demonstrate such care and support.

She said her office, in collaboration with the committee and other experts has been involved in handling reported cases of SGBV.

“I want to reassure us that we intend to follow all reported cases of SGBV to logical end, according to the laws of the state.

“It gladdens my heart to see the high turn out of key stakeholders on SGBV answering the clarion call to fight the scourge of the menace.

While reiterating the resolve of her office in mitigating the scourge, the first lady appreciated her husband for the tremendous support the committee on SGBV is getting from his office.

“You may wish to recall that, just recently when we were marking the 16 days of activism against SGBV ,the state Governor, His Excellency Bala Abdulakadir Mohammed directs the state Attorney General and the commissioner of Justice to establish a special court that would entertain the cases of Gender Based Violence in the state in order to fast track prosecution of offenders. This is indeed quite commendable and we appreciate the commitment”.

Hajiya Mohammad then used the opportunity to call on the participants to step down the knowledge acquired to their communities so as to reduce SGBV in the society.

Earlier in a welcome address, the committee chairperson Hajiya Aisha Baba Tela, expressed concern over increase in the number of violence against women even, particularly during the lockdown period.

Hajiya Tela, who also doubles as the wife of the State deputy Governor, said the activities of the committee have led to the rehabilitation of many victims of rape and other gender based violence, pointing out that, “such survivors have returned to their normal life after their traumatized travails”.

There were goodwill messages from development partners, CSOs , NAWOJ, Police and other line MDAs.

They all stressed on the need for more awareness  especially at the grassroots and called on parents and guardians to be vigilant in monitoring their children and wards.

The seminar with a theme , “End Rape and Violence in Bauchi State” attracted participants that includes Police, Judiciary, CSOs, Religious and Community leaders, Media, relevant MDAs and Students from secondary schools.

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