Women
MINISTER of Women Affairs Mrs. Pauline Tallen has urged stakeholders to join hands as vanguards of hope with the Federal Government to eliminate rape and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The minister, who condemned rising cases of GBV, sought more investments in women and girls, stressing: “It has positive and gross multiplier effects to sustain the drive against Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). They need to be empowered, heard and given the hope to live in peace so that they can confidently contribute in nation-building without barriers.”
Tallen, who spoke on Wednesday in Sokoto at the inauguration of the Nana Khadija One-Stop Centre, as part of activities to launch the 2020 World International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), sought the participation of religious, traditional and opinion leaders.
She said VAWG had constituted the most devastating human rights abuse, which, over the years, denied victims hope, justice and better future.
“Therefore, all hands must be on deck in the fight against GBV with zero tolerance agenda.
“We must all say no to rape and GBV. We must go out on the battle field with commitment,” minister added.
Tallen said: “We must be prompt, protect and connect as a mark of hope for our women and girls against the evil acts that destroy our society.”
Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, represented by the Commissioner for Justice, Suleiman Usman (SAN), said the state had been at the forefront in the advocacy crusade against GBV.
He said the government re-enacted its Penal Code Laws in 2019, which had since been gazetted.
“It was deliberately fast-tracked to strengthen relevant portions that deal with all forms of violence and abuses.
“There is a chapter of the law that deals with violence against persons and GBV. Before, such offences attracted only two years. But now the punishment is life imprisonment,” the governor said.
The Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Andullahi Sifawa, said the Nana Khadija One-Stop Centre was an initiative driven by the support of the Spotlight Initiative Intervention to cater for survivors of violence and their families.
26, N0V 2020 @10:46 GMT
Tags: Tallen urge rise against gender violence Tambuwal
