….... reiterates resolve to mitigate scourge in communities
By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Bauchi State First Lady Hajiya (Dr.) Aisha Bala Mohammed has reiterated her commitment to the fight against GBV and any form of abuse, especially against women and girls and also expressed her desire to see a Bauchi state that is free of gender based violence.
The First Lady stated this on Monday 27th November, 2023 in her office at the flag off ceremony of this year’s 16 Days Activism for the elimination of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
Hajiya Aisha Mohammed said that SGBV is a menace that must be prevented and that as stakeholders, “we 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 of mitigating SGBV to the bearest in our communities”.
While highlighting some of the effort of her office in halting the SGBV in Bauchi State, the First Lady said, “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”.
“I have also, through the Action Committee, 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. These efforts will be expanded as I assure the people of Bauchi state that I will do more to ensure a Gender Based Violence free Bauchi state”, said the First Lad
Hajiya Aisha Mohammed then commended 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.
Earlier speaking, Executive Secretary/CEO of National Human Rights Commission Chief (Dr.) Tony Ojukwu said that the National Human Rights Commission stands resolute in its commitment to address critical issues affecting the rights of women and girls.
Represented by the Bauchi State Coordinator of the Commission Mrs. Yachit Dala, the ES said 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”, Chief Ojukwu enthused.
He further revealed 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.
He said the Commission, in fulfilling its Human rights mandate especially Rights of Women and girls, has recorded some milestone that includes:
• A dedicated Department, which handles only issues of Rights of women and children.
• The Commission has 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 that currently, the Commission has an ongoing Special investigative Panel for Allegations of abortion and SGBV in the North East counter insurgency operations.
Chief Ojukwu then highlighted some of the commission’s prayers saying, “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.
• 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.
Our correspondent report that the Day started with walk from the Bauchi office of the Human Rights Commission to the office of the First Lady heralding the official commencement of the 16 days activism.