Nasarawa Govt to Strengthen Efforts to Tackle Gender-Based Violence against Women and Girls

By Binta Nuan

Nasarawa State Government says it has strengthened collaboration with traditional institutions and religious leaders to tackle cases of  Gender Based violence against women and girls in communities across the state.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’i Ibrahim, stated this during a news briefing to commence the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’i explained that gender-based are on the rise in most communities across the state with little effort to end the practice and provide succour to the victims, a situation she noted cannot be allowed to continue.

She noted that women and children are mostly the victims of abuse, emphasizing the need for community and religious leaders and traditional rulers to play prominent roles in the fight against gender-based violence to allow women and the girl child to achieve their full potential.

The Commissioner highlighted domestic violence, rape, early marriage and harmful traditional practices perpetrated in most communities across Nasarawa as major factors that perpetuate poverty in the society stressing the need for a stronger collaboration among stakeholders to end this menace.

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Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’i advocated full implementation and enforcement of all protective laws, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition VAPP Law, to give way for sustainable support systems for survivors of gender-based violence.

The Commissioner, noted that, Nasarawa State Government would continue to provide support for victims of rape, eliminating all barriers to ensure their safety.

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She urged leaders at all levels of government to prioritize investment in women’s empowerment, by providing them access to education and vocational skills, credit and markets, as well as adequate opportunities to participate in leadership and decision-making.

Hajiya Aishatu Rufa’i added that as part of marking the 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the state government has intensified community engagement and awareness to promote gender equality in schools, motor parks and major parks