The Sokoto State Government has reviewed a new strategy on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as a significant step toward addressing the pervasive issue of the menace in the state.
The State Commissioner Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Shagari, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ review meeting on GBV prevention organised by the ministry and UN Women with funding from FORD Foundation in Sokoto State.
Shagari said the action plan was developed in June this year and due to review in December 2025 towards taking significant steps in addressing the issue.
She said the review was centered on national and international frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), the National Gender Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
”The review of the action plan aims to provide a comprehensive and coordinated response to GBV, promote prevention strategies, and ensure access to justice and support services for survivors.
”This initiative was spearheaded through a multi-sectoral and participatory process involving key stakeholders from government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, and development partners.
”Through a series of consultative meetings, workshops, and technical sessions, the stakeholders identified prevailing GBV trends, existing gaps, and priority areas for intervention, ” She said.
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According to her, the GBV Action Plan is structured around five key pillars: prevention, protection, response, coordination, and monitoring and evaluation.
She highlighted specific objectives and actionable strategies, including awareness creation, community engagement, legal reform and enforcement, capacity building for service providers, establishing referral systems, and survivor-centered care
”A clear implementation framework has been developed, highlighting roles, timelines, and resource requirements.
”By adopting this action plan, Sokoto State demonstrates its commitment to eliminating gender-based violence, safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations, and promoting a safer, more equitable society.
”The plan serves as a guiding framework for action and a catalyst for sustained investment and collaboration among stakeholders to end GBV in all its forms,” She added.
The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, commended the role of women in addressing GBV but called for more effort to being the menace to the nearest minimum.
He urged stakeholders to contribute meaningful inputs for effective review of the action plan for successful implementation towards addressing the menace.
Abubakar Alhaji reiterated the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs commitment to partner all relevant stakeholders in addressing GBV across the state.