By Lizzy Carr, Bauchi
Three decades on from the Beijing conference and platform for action which called for decisive action to end gender based violence stakeholders in Bauchi state have called for collective efforts to prevent GBV.
This was part of presentations at the flag off of the 16 days of activism against GBV in Bauchi State.
The ministry of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare with support from UNFPA and some partners stage a walk from the Bauchi State Secretariat to the government house where the first lady Aisha Bala Mohammed said there is need for harmonized efforts to end violence against women and girls.
“The 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls can only be achieved when all stakeholders work together to bring to fore issues of GBV and how it affects the survivors“.
She commended the support of partners in participating in the flag off, and urge them to sustained their works to end violence against women and girls.
“The campaign to end gender based violence should not end with the 16days of activism but to extend to when Bauchi State is free from GBV.
State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare Zainab Baban Takko said that the Ministry is leveraging on existing structures like the GBV technical working group and other groups at the local government level to create awareness about gender based violence.
“There is an enabling environment in the State for partners to implement their activities which is why the ministry in collaborating with them towards reducing the rate of GBV in the state.”
Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst and State Program officer of UNFPA, Deborah Tabara said that countless women and girls endure the reality of gender-based violence every day which is why UNFPA, in collaboration with ministries, departments and Partners stands in solidarity with them and is committed to taking decisive actions to achieve transformative result of ending Gender Based Violence and other harmful practices.
“This year the campaign ‘s mobilization emphasizes the necessity of strengthening accountability mechanisms for ending violence against women and girls”
Deborah Tabara said UNFPA is focusing on Tracing the root, Standing against Gender Based Violence and will continue to call for global action to foster awareness, galvanize advocacy efforts and share innovative solutions to end the pandemic of violence against women and girls.
She added that UNFPA’s 16 Days of Activism campaigns have raised awareness, mobilized advocacy and inspired action to combat gender-based violence in all forms and remains committed to championing the rights and well- being of every individual, irrespective of gender, and to creating a world where every person can live free from fear and violence.
“UNFPA is committed to the partnership with Bauchi State government, civil society organizations, women’s rights organizations, the UN system, schools, universities, towards a state free from all forms of gender based violence”.
This year’s theme “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Program of Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls”, had the groups carry placards with various inscriptions online with the theme.
The placards read to prevent violence against women we must challenge the way we think about gender and power, violence against women is preventable and speak out against GBV. (www.krestnews.com).