AIDS agency, NGOs move to end gender-based violence in Taraba
By Saidu Adamu, Jalingo
The Taraba Action Committee on Aids (TACA) in collaboration with other Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have taken more measures on sensitisation campaign against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in the state.
Our correspondent reports that TACA in conjunction with the Network of People With Aids in Nigeria (NEPWAN), Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI)-USAID, Key Population Secretariat and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) marked the 16 Days Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls 2024 with the theme ‘ Speak Up’.
The sensitisation campaign was launched in Kpantinapu village in Yorro local government area of the state on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Shepuya Atiku, a director in the agency said that the world had changed and therefore encouraged both women and girls to wake up to defend themselves against Gender Based Violence such as rape, physical and psychological assault among others.
She expressed concern that due to the fear of stigmatisation, most victims would not voice up their victimisation.
She however, said that the government at all levels, as well as NGOs and other civil organisations were ready to take such cases up in bringing pepatriators to book.
Mrs Rashidat Mahmoud, representative of AHNI-USAID called on various NGOs and CSOs to step up the fight for the defence of the vulnerable and work towards eradicating rape and other gender-based violence from communities.
Mahmoud encouraged women and girls to seek redress whenever victimized.
She, however, advised whoever that was victimized in cases of rape to first go to hospital for confirmation of such cases before reporting to relevant authorities.
Similarly, Mr. Yakubu Garpha, representative of the NHRC in Taraba, described gender based violence as a violation of fundamental human rights of the victims.
Garpha said that the office was open for all citizens that were victims of such acts, urging them not to hesitate in reporting such rights violations to the organisation.
NEXTER reports that the sensitisation campaign brought together security agencies, paramilitary organisations, NGOs and the media.
