Women Affairs Commissioner Reaffirms Government’s Obligation to Eradicate Gender Based Violence

Nasarawa State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Ibrahim Rufai has reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating Gender Based Violence GBV in the State.

The commissioner made this known at the National Council for Women Societies NCWS, Nigeria community-based advocacy and sensitization programme against Gender Based Violence GBV held at the Chun Mada Palace in Akwanga.

The initiative, tagged “International Strengthening to Combat Gender Based Violence, GBV through Community-Based Advocacy and Sensitization on the Violence against Persons Prohibition Law and Legal Frameworks for the rights of girl-child, was organized by NCWS and supported by the International Council for Women.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Ibrahim Rufai said gender based violence should not be tolerated, emphasizing that State government has put in place adequate measures to eradicate GBV and provide succor to victims.

For the National President of the National Council for Women Societies, NCWS, Nigeria, Geraldine Ita Etuk, the gathering was a deliberate step taken to create awareness on the simplified Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law with the view to reducing the cases of GBV in Nasarawa state.

Aligning with the submissions, the Advisor, International Council of Women, Hashiya Ahmed and Nasarawa State President of NCWS, Mary Samuel Meshi, said women must be protected and respected and challenged them to always speak out when their rights are violated.

The Chairperson Federation of women lawyers, FIDA, Nasarawa State Chapter Rabiatu Addra and Director, Public Defender, Allu Justina Alkali who dwelt extensively on VAPP Act and the role of community advocacy in combating GBV, noted that their understanding of human and legal rights to seek legal redress whenever their rights are violated.

Earlier, the officials paid Advocacy visit to the Chun Mada, Pastor Samson Gamu Yare where he pledged support to achieve the set goals.