A Traditional Ruler in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Bawa Sani, has called for increased women empowerment as the best strategy to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in society.
Sani, the Turakin Bodinga, made the call during a town hall dialogue on GBV prevention organised by the Sokoto State Government in collaboration with UN Women.
He said; “The establishment of more Girls Safe Space Centres in schools will empower more girls and reduce street hawking,” he said, commending UN Women for enhancing lives through their interventions.”
The Traditional Ruler noted that educational support in his domain, particularly on GBV prevention, has improved girls’ access to education, and urged for additional support to complement government efforts.
Sani said; “Healthcare services and other empowerment programmes enhance people’s lives,” praising donor agencies for their commitment to fighting GBV, Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), and related challenges.
Safina Sani of the Life Helpers Initiative, an NGO, highlighted the impact of livelihood support on women.
“The interventions have improved women’s healthcare, particularly reproductive health services, created awareness of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), reduced GBV cases through community group support, and increased access to education,” she said.
Sani added that these efforts have boosted women’s access to quality healthcare and education at all levels.
Also speaking, Hauwa’u Umar-Jabo, Director of Women in the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, said the sensitisation aimed to prevent GBV cases in communities.
“Participants were educated on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Violence Against Women and Girls, and Harmful Practices, including Female Genital Mutilation and early child marriage,” she stated.
According to her, participants were also trained on acquiring business skills and encouraged to take up small businesses to support family income, alongside lessons on education, hygiene, and moral discipline.
She added that a similar event was organised in July 2025, featuring discussions on the causes and types of GBV, challenges, strategies for elimination, and the roles of stakeholders in reporting and feedback.
PIAK