The Gombe State Government, on Friday appealed to all stakeholders in the state to support survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), across the state.
Mrs Naomi Awak, the commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, made the call on Friday in Gombe, at a news conference organised as part of activities to mark the 2022 16 Days of Activism against GBV.
Awak said the Gombe government was taking measures to ensure the protection of women and girls from all forms of violence in the state.
The commissioner stressed that the role of protecting women and girls from GBV was a collective task that was expected to be carried out by all stakeholders.
According to her, women and girls have potentials that if properly harnessed can contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the country at large, hence the need to protect them from all forms of violence.
“These 16 Days, we are encouraging everyone to get involved: From amplifying the voices of survivors and activists to supporting women’s organisations and strengthening movements to protect women and girls’ rights.
“We can all act to empower survivors, reduce and prevent violence against women and girls, and protect women’s rights,” she said.
Awak said the state government had made progress towards enacting the violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, and the Child Protection Act, which had both had been passed by Gombe House of Assembly.
The commissioner commended Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, and his wife, Hajiya Asma’u Yahaya, for their roles in securing a legal document and other measures, aimed at protecting women from all forms of violence.
She also commended the media and civil society organisations in the state, while urging them to amplify the voices of survivors so they could get the help that they deserved.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, is a 16-day event which commences on Nov 25 and runs through Dec 10.
Activities are organised each year to raise awareness of the extent of violence against women and girls around the world.
This year’s theme is; “Unite! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.
