By: Amina Ahmed
Plan International,a Non Governmental Organization has on Friday build capacity and drummed support for active male engagement to end Sexual and Gender based Violence( SGBV) in Bauchi state.
Mrs Damaris Philemon, Gender and Social Incident officer of the organization made the statement at a one day capacity building for stakeholders.
She said that menfolk as heads of families and communities should champion and lending their voices to fight the scourge.
According to her,the need to avert occurrence of SGBV in society needs a holistic approach for a safe and secured environment should be instrumental to all.
Philemon said that the capacity building aimed to commit men at all levels in the state.
” We want a preventive approach,there should be no SGBV.
” Men as heads of the families and community need to be actively involved in ending such violence,” she said.
She said that Plan International has established women groups across the state as a network and referral pathway for survivors to access services
In his contribution, Alhaji Sulaiman Bashir, Chairman,GBV
Network and referral committee,Dan’iya ward said that women were punished for physical assault on boys mostly.
He reminded the gathering that the state has the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law to punish offenders.
Bashir cautioned participants on hoarding information,adding that the scourge needs intensity and collective effort.
He also called on the various clergymen to educate their followers on SGBV..
Other participants deliberated and identified SGBV causes, prevention and adoption of effective communication a s headway.
