Bauchi State Government (BASG) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) along side other partners and key stakeholders, have flagged off the annual 17 Days of activism to end violence against women in Bauchi State, which is being commemorated globally.
The flag off activity started today Monday 25th November 2024, with a Walk by officials of the Ministry, Implementing Partners (IPs) and CSOs.
The walk terminated at the Government House Bauchi where the the First Lady of the State, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed received the contengents.
While welcoming the procession, the First Lady reminded them that the 16 days activism to end violence against women is a collaborative effort at bringing the issues of on SGBV on the front burner with a view to finding solutions to mitigate the hydraheaded evil associated with Gender Based Violence.
Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed appreciated the stakeholders for coming out in their numbers to demonstrate their solidarity for victims of SGBV in Bauchi State and the Nation at large.
She also implored the stakeholders to remain steadfast in advocating for end to violence against women by taking such humanitarian campaign beyond 16 Days.
The first lady said that her office will continue to provide all the needed support for SGV victims in Bauchi State and further encouraged prosecution of culprits.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hajiya Zainab Babantakko said that the Ministry, in collaboration with the State Action Committee on SGBV, IPs and local CSOs are closely monitoring cases of SGBV with a view to ensuring that victims get justice and perpetrators punished.
Baban Takko thanked Governor Bala Mohammed for creating enabling environment to make all collaborative efforts towards mitigating SGBV in Bauchi State.
She also appreciated the First Lady for her leadership as the Chairperson of the State Action Committee on SGBV and her tenacity in seeing that culprits of the heinous crime are convicted and victims being given all support to have them reintegrated back into their communities.
In her speech during the activity, the State Program officer of UNFPA, Deborah Tabara said that countless women and girls endure the reality of gender-based violence every day.
Tabara said UNFPA, in collaboration with the State MDAs 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.
The UNFPA program officer, who also doubles as the Gender/Reproductive Analyst said that this year’s mobilization campaign emphasizes the necessity of strengthening accountability mechanisms for ending violence against women and girls.
“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”.
“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”, said Tabara.
Our Correspondent reports that the global theme for this year’s 16 days of activism to end GBVis tagged: “Towards 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Program of Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls”. END
