YOBE STATE LAUNCHES GBV AWARENESS CAMPAIGN DURING 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM 06-12-24
By Sadiq Aminu Care Nigeria, with funding from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), in collaboration with Women Lead in Emergency (WLiE) and the Yobe State Ministry for Women Affairs, has launched a street campaign to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV) in Yobe State.
The campaign, part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, is particularly focused on addressing the high rates of out-of-school children and child hawkers in the state.
State Women Led Coordinator for Care Nigeria, Mrs. Wandu Zira George, explained that the initiative aims to address GBV, sexual and reproductive health rights, and increase women’s participation in decision-making processes.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness, amplify women’s voices, and engage men in combating GBV.
While acknowledging progress in reducing GBV incidents, Mrs. George highlighted the persistent challenges of rape, child hawking, and lack of education for girls.
WLiE Officer for the EYN Project, Hadiza Agon,
stressed the need for frequent, public awareness campaigns targeting both men and women to achieve lasting change.
She expressed gratitude for the support from FCDO and the Yobe State Government.
WLiE Officer based in Potiskum, Charity Dan Zaria, reported that since the program’s launch in December 2023, about 400 women have participated in various thematic areas, addressing GBV, leadership participation, and sexual reproductive health.
The group has developed an action plan for the 16 Days of Activism, focusing on girl-child education, rape, domestic violence, and harassment.
Potiskum was chosen as the campaign launch point due to its high rates of GBV.
Dan Zaria emphasized the urgency of addressing the widespread harassment and abuse faced by women, which often hinders their aspirations.
She highlighted achievements such as re-enrollment of girls and women in school, along with empowerment initiatives and cash support to victims.