The Adamawa State government said it has sensitized and reached 200,000 women and the girl child on issues relating to Gender based violence, GBV.
Hajia Maisaratu Bello, Permanent Secretary Adamawa State Ministry of Women and Social Development said on Monday, in Yola that the occurrence of gender based violence in the state has reduced in recent times due to enlightenment and sensitization of women on the issue.
“ So many trainings have been conducted in the state on issues relating to Gender Based Violence (GBV). Over 200,000 women and girls in the state have been reached on issues relating to GBV.
Sensitization has been ongoing and the occurrence of GBV in the state has reduced drastically,” she said.
Bello addressed journalists, over the activities outlined by her Ministry of women to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, slated for 8th March, 2018 which has as its theme “ Press for Progress” with sub-theme: “ Time is Now, Rural and Urban Activist Transforming Lives”.
She called for concerted efforts to address many of the issues affecting women from gender based violence, harassment and molestation of women, to withdrawal of the girl child for early marriage, which she said has continued to rise.
“ Many issues affecting women from Gender Based Violence, harassment
of women, molestation of the girls, girl child abuse, withdrawal of girls from schools for early child marriages, VVF and rape are all on the increase every day. This year it is expected that we all come together and press hard for progress of women. We are urging for all
people to be our voices to sensitize the general public on the importance of inclusion of women in peace and security building, discouraging the withdrawal of girls from schools, enrollment of the girl child in school and also to find a way we can stop the kidnapping of girls.”
According to Bello, the state Governor Mohammed Jibrilla, has assured of the passage of the gender and equal opportunities bill which is before the lawmakers in the state assembly.
Stakeholders at the event who spoke differently lauded the state for its effort in reducing GBV and other negative gender norms which they said should be pushed aside.
Dr. Titus Orngu, UN Women technical Gender Adviser for Adamawa State and Dr. Danladi Idrisa from UNFPA called for respect for women and the girl child while urging an end to all negative gender norms and discriminations targeted at women.
