By Lizzy Carr
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ Bauchi State Chapter has decried the prevailing trend of Gender Based Violence in the State, as they Commemorate the 16 days of activism with a street walk.
The awareness walk which brought together women Groups, Civil Society Organisation, the Media and HEFORSHE took off from the NUJ secretariat through Ahmadu Bello way, to wuntin Market and ended at the State Secretariat Bauchi.
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They carried placards with various inscriptions like, Take Action to Gender Based Violence, Educate Yourself and Others about GBV, Use Your Voice on Social Media to Bring Awareness amongst others.
State chairperson of NAWOJ Bulak Afsa said the walk was to create awareness on Gender Based Violence that has continued to happen in our society.
“The recent increase in reported cases of GBV like rape and sexual assaults is a source of concern and proper attention must be given to educate our children”.
“The media and community structures have a great role to play in passing out key messages that will encourage victims to speak out while Government must ensure punishment is melted on culprits.”
Representatives of other women Groups that include chairperson National Council of Women Society Bauchi magistrate Shafau Ladan, chairperson Stand up women society Dinatu Steven and State Amira FOMWAN Kilishi Ibrahim said it has become imperative for the society to speak with one voice on current happenings as it relates of Gender Based Violence.
They said parents need to educate their children on GBV and what they need to do when someone attempts to rape them that is shout for help.
Also parents should speak out when their wards are molested for proper action to be taken
The women Groups commended Governor Bala Mohammed for signing the Violence against person’s Prohibition VAPP Law and constituting a GBV standing committee.
Addressing the women Groups and some men State commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Hajar Gidado said the ministry is determined to pursue all cases related to GBV to give the victims assurance that Government does not support such act.
The Awareness walk was supported by Plan International Nigeria.