Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development Hajiya Hafsat Baba has called on Nigerians to always share the message of zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women and girls.
She made the call during a one day town hall meeting with traditional and religious leaders with the theme “Unite Activism to end violence against women and Girls” held in Kaduna.
The event was convened by the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Services and Social Development, Women Peace Mentors and WPS Media Network with the Support from UN Women and the Government of Norway.
Hajiya Hafsat Baba represented by her Special Assistant, Haruna Mada Halifa stressed that, all stakeholders must redouble effort in protecting the right of women and girls against any form of abuse.
“It must continue until stakeholders, men and boys, young people, parents, community leaders, governments, and everyone else realize that violence to one is violence to all and join not just our hands but our minds to call for preventing and eliminating all forms violence against women and girls in the country”.
“Almost every day, we are constantly reminded of the unpleasant experiences of women and girls around the globe manifesting in forms including rape, domestic violence, harassment at work, abuse in school, female genital mutilation, child and forced marriage and sexual violence in armed conflicts.
Violence against women remains one of the most widespread human rights violations yet one of the least prosecuted crimes and this stems from a lack of investment and poor policy design and or implementation to meet women’s needs and protect their fundamental rights.
Sexual violence remains rampant in times of both peace and conflict”
“Kaduna State Government under the leadership of His Excellency the Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai’, the pioneer He for She gender champion has enabled laws and programmes that will accelerate putting an end to violence against women and girls and create networks to encourage men and boys to support the fight for gender equality, protection of vulnerable groups and strengthen social inclusion in Kaduna State.”
The Permanent Commissioner, Kaduna Peace Commission, Mrs Rebecca Sako John said one of the objective of the meeting was to mobilize stakeholders particularly traditional and religious leaders to understand women and security project in the state.
Mrs Rebecca John who emphasized the need for the state government to continue to support the fight against gender based violence, stressed the need for sufficient funding and other support services for victims.
The permanent Commissioner called on the residents to have zero tolerance on sexual and gender based violence by reporting such happenings to relevant authorities for action.
The event was attended by religious and Traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
COV/AMINU DALHATU