By Muhammad Sani Muazu
As part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Plan International, under its Aspire Project and with funding from Global Affairs Canada, organized a community engagement session in Bauchi State. The event brought together traditional leaders, religious leaders, parents, children, and other stakeholders to address the persistent issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Speaking at the event, Sulaiman Ahmad Bashir, the Ward Head of Dan Iya, emphasized the role of traditional and religious leaders in combating SGBV through education. He noted that such education aligns with religious teachings and is crucial for safeguarding girls.
“As traditional leaders, we always engage parents and religious leaders to educate their children about sexual and gender-based violence. Ignorance of this issue can lead girls astray,” Bashir said. He also highlighted the prevalence of SGBV in the community, revealing that his committee had handled over 40 cases of SGBV this year alone. He urged parents to protect their children and discouraged them from sending their children to the streets for hawking, which he identified as a significant contributor to rape cases.
Damaris Philemon, Gender Officer of Plan International, explained the significance of engaging men in the fight against SGBV. She stressed that men, as key stakeholders and community gatekeepers, have a critical role in preventing and responding to SGBV.
“Our theme, ‘Engaging Men to Empower Women,’ reflects the importance of involving men in this effort. They are in a better position to discuss these issues, promote womanhood, and develop actionable strategies to prevent GBV in their communities,” Philemon stated. She further highlighted that Plan International is committed to ensuring every girl in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large is safe and is able to learn, lead thrive and decide.
Philemon also emphasized the need for preventive measures, creating referral pathways for survivors, and linking communities to GBV service providers. She reiterated that SGBV, especially cases of rape, poses a serious threat to girls’ ability to learn and achieve their potential, underscoring Plan International’s mission to create a safe environment for adolescent girls.
The Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Bauchi State Chapter, Rashida Yusuf, commended Plan International for its efforts in protecting the rights of the girl child in Bauchi State.
“The work of Plan International in safeguarding girls is commendable, and their focus on empowering women and girls is a significant contribution to our society,” Yusuf said.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed from November 25 to December 10, serves as a global campaign to raise awareness and drive action to eliminate all forms of violence against women