From Paul Orude Bauchi
Following the disclosure by the Bauchi State Action Committee on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) that no fewer than 226 cases of rape of minor were recorded between 2020 and 2023, stakeholders have swung into action.
This alarming figure was revealed by the Chairperson of the Committee and wife of the Governor of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed.
Concerned about the worrisome development, the First Lady in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development and civil society organisations have trained adolescents girls on prevention strategies.
Stakeholders and experts therefore called for domestication of the child right as part of the activities marking the end of the 16 days of activism on SGBV organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development in partnership with the Office of First Lady,
Earlier last week, Mrs Mohammed requested for establishment of a mobile court try the perpetrators of GBV for speedy justice delivery. Mohammed while responding asked the state attorney general to work with the chief judge on the demand.
At the 16th day of activism training for adolescents held at the Government House on Sunday, Aisha Mohammed called on girls and women to speak up and claim their rightful place.
She explained that a lot of women are facing depression and do not have the courage to speak out on the issue affecting their well-being.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hajara Gidado, commended Aisha for her selfless efforts in the development of women and girls. She expressed her ministry’s readiness to continue the upliftment of girls and women.
The event include panel discussion by stakeholders like Police, Attorney General, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and traditional leaders. Also, Plan International, UN Women, ASPIRE and others