Bodinga LGA ratify GBV, harmful practices prevention guidelines
DanGarba
Nov. 22, 2025
Bodinga community in Sokoto state have ratified a developed Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Harmful Practices prevention guidelines to harness the implementation of Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) and Child Protection laws.
The document was signed by the District Head Alhaji Muhammadu Abdulrauf and Chairman of Bodinga Local Government Area Alhaji Shehu Dingyadi respectively after a three-day Community Guideline Development meeting on Harmful Practices and GBV on Friday in Bodinga.
NAN reports that no fewer than 60 religious and community leaders, civil society organisations representatives, law enforcement agents, youth and women groups members reviewed the document before agreeing on the contents.
The programme was conducted by United Nations (UN) Women, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs aimed at championing the campaigns and conversations on GBV and Harmful Practices in the society.
Speaking ceremony, the District Head said Bodinga community stand upon the sacred trust bestowed by our forefathers and guided by the divine principles of justice, compassion, and dignity in Islam and our sacred culture, hereby making the binding to the public.
Abdulrauf noted that the document was prepared through extensive consultations with traditional leaders, religious scholars, women leaders, youth representatives, and community members.
” We have collectively examined cultural practices that undermine the wellbeing, rights, and dignity of women and girls.
” Recognising that harmful practices have no place in Islam and our culture, and acknowledging the obligation upon leadership to protect the vulnerable, preserve justice, and uphold the sanctity of every human life.
” We abolish wife battery and all forms of domestic violence, rape and all forms of sexual violence, forced marriage, emotional and psychological violence,
sending girls under 18 years to hawk and all forms of Impunity connected to GBV,” District Head said.
He added that these practices violate both the teachings of Islam which honour women as equals in dignity and the laws of our land, including the Sokoto State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law.
In his address, the Council Chairman said any individual, group, or authority that supports, defends, or carries out any of these condemned practices stands in opposition to traditional throne, community, to the law, and to the divine principles of justice.
Dingyadi said such actions would attract appropriate traditional and legal sanctions.
” We commit to working closely with the state government, UN Women, religious institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to adhere to the produced community guideline against harmful practices which is a practical roadmap rooted in culture, faith, and the law.
” This declaration stands as a testament to our commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of all members of our society, especially women and girls who have suffered in silence for too long.
” May this step strengthen our community, uplift our women and girls, and reflect our true values of dignity, equity, and shared humanity, ” Dingyadi declared.
According to him, perpetrators would be handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution under the VAPP Law, Child protection law provisions, and other relevant laws.
While he commended UN Women and the ministry, he said community agreed to sanctions perpetrators which may include; public reprimand before the community council, suspension from community privileges, withdrawal of community recognition or titles and denial of participation in cultural festivals or leadership roles.
The UN Women Programme Officer, Ms A’isha Sani, the prepared document translated community commitment adding that their involvement would ensure good understanding toward creating a better society.
” We believe that religious leaders have a way of appealing to the consciousness of people. UN Women believes that religious leaders have vital roles to play.
“GBV happens everywhere, I believe it is easier to prevent something from happening than proffering solutions,” She said.
Responding, the Director Women in the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Hauwa’u Umar-Jabo, commended UN Women for the support as well as the community leaders commitment throughout the exercise.
Umar-Jabo assured more support to ensure implementation of the produce guidelines and urged for more support and partnerships to tackle all forms of GBV and harmful practices abroad the state.
NAN reports that the document was prepared under the lead Consultant, Ms Hafsat Maina, while a cross section of participants expressed optimism that it would improve the living standards of citizens.
Participants noted that the document would protect women, girls, boys, and elders from all forms of violence and abuse, support the right of every child to education.
According to them, it would also ensure ensure that no child in Bodinga is put at risk through hawking or exploitative labour, Strengthen families by encouraging peaceful homes, responsible fatherhood, and mutual respect