By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Almuhibba Foundation, a project of the First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has empowered 300 persons with disability in the State.
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The disclosure was made by the First Lady on the occasion of the Awareness Programme to Mark 16 Days of Activism 2024 held on Saturday at the Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu Arena, Government House, Bauchi.
The First Lady added that, “While my Office, that’s the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with Almuhibba Foundation in a similar gesture, added 200 persons making total of 300 persons.”
She added that, “And also N5000 each will be given as transport to a total of 1,155 invited guests. This initiative is more than financial support, it is an investment in dreams, skills, and the inherent capabilities of those who often face systemic barriers.”
According to her, “It is with great pride and a deep sense of purpose that I stand before you today to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.With the theme, “Unite to End Gender- Based Violence in Our Community,”.
Aisha Bala Mohammed stressed that, “Gender-based violence is a violation of basic human rights and an affront to the dignity of individuals.It is imperative that we come together to combat this menace, ensuring safety, justice, and support for all victims.”
“Today, we are not only raising awareness but also celebrating the milestones we have achieved together,” She added.
The First Lady further stated that, “The Bauchi State Action Committee on GBV under my Chairpersonship was able to reach out to over 1000 Communities in 11 Local Government Councils of Bauchi State with our advocacy/sensitisation, we provided training, counseling, and assistance to over 600 survivors of various forms of gender- based violence.”
She added that,”The Sexual assault referral Centre in the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi, offers free and confidential health care for survivors of GBV.”
She also added that, “We have also established a network of community volunteers and advocates who monitor and report the cases of violence and who provide support and referrals to the survivors.”
“We have also engaged with the local authorities and traditional leaders to improve the legal and policy framework and to enforce the existing laws and regulations,She added.
Aisha Bala Mohammed further stated that,”Our Safe space provide a temporary home for survivors of GBV and other women found in distress.”
According to her, “As a result, we have seen a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in Bauchi State, and an increase in the awareness and empowerment of the women and girls.”
“Today, we also gathered here with hearts full of purpose and unity to celebrate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities a day that reminds us of the strength, potential, and limitless possibilities of every individual, regardless of ability,” She added.
According to her,”This year’s theme,
“Empowering Disability Inclusion,” aligns perfectly with our mission to build a society where everyone, irrespective of challenges, has access to equal opportunities.”
The First Lady added that, “I am proud to announce that we are taking a monumental step toward this vision by empowering 300 disabled persons today with start-up capital.”
She concluded that, “As we leave here today, let us carry forward the spirit of inclusion, advocacy, and action.Together, we can create a world where barriers crumble, and every person is empowered to shine.”
In her opening remarks, State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Child Development and Social Welfare, Zainab Baban Takko stated that,”It is a pleasure for me to witness this important sensitisation, marking the 16 days of Activism and the International day of persons with disabilities organised by the First Lady, Hajiya (Dr.) Aisha Bala Mohammed In collaboration with UNFPA and Almuhibbah Foundation. This is indeed a great milestone in the fight against Gender Based Violence.”
According to her, “The 16 days of activism is an opportunity to revitalise commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers, as we are heading to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and plat-form for action in 2025, this will be a visionary blue-print for achieving gender equality, and both women and Girls rights everywhere.”
The Commissioner added that,”We all know that, one in Three women experience violence in their lifetime and girls are at particular risk of violence, where one in four adolescent girls is abused by their partners. Therefore, we must wake-up and provide proper solution to end this menace.”
She stressed that,”And this will be possible through the following: ways, end impunity by holding perpetrators accountable and establishing zero tolerance against women and girls, adopt and implement the Vapp-Law which we deed in Bauchi State and ensure the rights and access to essential services for survivors which is also in practice in the State.”
“I will use this medium to appreciate you for making it possible to support the parents of the victims that were affected by violence from some children that were released on bail from the remand home, sometimes back,” She stated.
According to her, “This is a great gesture from Her excellency. I also extend my gratitude to the parents of the victims for their spirit of forgiveness, otherwise, those children will not be released on bail, and by so doing, we are trying to mend the minds of our children to be self- reliant and change their minds from doing bad behaviours.”
