By Shuaibu Usman
Nasarawa State First Lady, Silifat Abdullahi Sule joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women which marked the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.
Mrs. Sule restated government’s commitment to ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence have access to comprehensive care and support, including medical, legal, psychosocial, and empowerment services, as well as rescue operations and access to justice, reassuring that all perpetrators of gender-based violence must be brought to book.
She stated this while flagging off the start of the 16 Days of Activism at the Government House in Lafia, today.
She said efforts are driven by collaboration with government departments, partner organisations, gender experts, law enforcement agencies, NGOs, mental health professionals, social services outlets, healthcare providers, and the legal system, charging parents and guardians of the survivors to speak out for justice.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s “Unite! Ending Violence Against Women and Children”, Acting State Coordinator, National Human Rights Commission, Barr. Bukola Babatunde said the commission is leaving no stone unturned in safeguarding human rights especially the rights of women in the state and country at large.
Elimination of gender-based violence (GBV) is advocated for as part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against crimes such as rape, domestic violence, early marriage, physical and sexual assault, female genital mutilation amongst others.
The Nigerian Constitution 1999 as amended has made provisions for the promotion, protection and enforcement of the rights of all including women and girls.