Bauchi First Lady Commends Media on Fight Against GBV

By Zainab Faruk

The Wife of the Bauchi State Governor and Chairperson of the State Action Committee on Gender Based Violence, Aisha Bala Mohammed, has applauded the media and other critical stakeholders for their contributions towards combating gender based violence, GBV, in the state.

Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed gave the commendation during a media chat organised by the Bauchi State Action Committee on Gender Based Violence at the Government House, Bauchi.

She said the engagement was aimed at informing the public on the activities and achievements of the committee in addressing cases of gender based violence across the state, while also promoting justice and support for survivors.

The First Lady described the media as a vital partner in public enlightenment and advocacy, noting that journalists have continued to play a significant role in exposing societal problems and protecting vulnerable groups.

“As the Chairperson of this important committee, I deeply appreciate your continuous partnership, professionalism and commitment in reporting issues that affect our society. Your role in public enlightenment and advocacy remains invaluable in our collective fight against gender based violence,” she stated.

Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed explained that the committee had continued to encounter challenges in the process of securing justice for victims, especially delays arising from constitutional constraints and legal procedures within the judicial system.

She stressed the importance of community participation in tackling gender based violence, saying meaningful progress could only be achieved through the active involvement of families, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and the media.

The First Lady further disclosed that arrangements had reached an advanced stage for the committee to embark on expanded outreach programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at sensitizing residents on the dangers and consequences of gender based violence and ways of preventing its escalation.

Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Gender Based Violence, Sha’awanatu Yusuf, said the committee had recorded notable successes since its inauguration in 2020.

According to her, the committee has documented a total of 218 cases, including 37 domestic violence cases, 31 family disputes, 94 rape cases and one abduction case among others.

Sha’awanatu Yusuf added that some of the serious cases had been successfully prosecuted in court, with judgments secured in favour of survivors.

The media chat was attended by government officials, traditional leaders, women groups, members of civil society organisations and media practitioners across the state.