Traditional rulers, gov’t officials, students, rally against GBV in Sokoto
Traditional rulers and government officials have led a landmark march to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Sokoto State.
Our Correspondent reports that GBV refers to any act of violence directed against an individual based on his or her gender.
The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is a United Nations’ international campaign that runs from Nov. 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through Dec. 10, which is the International Human Rights Day.
This period highlights that violence against women is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights worldwide.
The campaign was started in 1991 as a strategic effort to unite and amplify calls for the elimination of violence against women and girls.
Each year, the 16 Days of Activism galvanise organisations around the world and draws the attention of governments to the urgent and critical issues around GBV.
The theme for the 2025 16 Days of Activism is ‘Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’.
In Bodinga LGA, the District Head, Alhaji Bello Abdurrauf, enjoined parents and teachers to promote awareness programme against all forms violence and need for youth especially girls to report incidents.
Abdurrauf described the strategic awareness initiative towards rising consciousness to eradicate GBV the society and underscored the importance of collective efforts against the menace.
He stressed the need for people to be united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.
“Through collective action and reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice and equality prevail,” he said.
He added Bondinga LGA have benefited with UN Women supports against GBV prevention strategies in the community and assured more commitment on the drive
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, commended the UN Women that supported series of GBV prevention action in Bodinga LGA.
tackle violence against women and girl
Alhaji said the march and the associated activities were not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on.
He said the activities really assist in tackling violence against women and girls.
He called for more action on digital violence which had become a growing threat against women and girls, noting that the programme would continue to support partners working to eliminate all forms of discrimination and abuse.
In Sokoto South LGA, District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, urged the stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard the vulnerable population and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
Umar-Jabbi highlighted all forms of GBV and solicited for more collaborative measures on sanitizing the society from all forms of abuses, cultural beliefs and misconceptions as well as harmful practices.
It was report that UNFPA Programme Officer, Mrs Rabi Sagir, Director, Women in the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Hauwa’u Jabo, counselled students on the dangers of GBV.