The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) State2State project has emphasized the urgent need for increased investment to address gender-based violence (GBV) in Sokoto State, North-western Nigeria.
The five-year $72 million State2State initiative works at the state level.
The State2State Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist, Ejiro Okotie, made the appeal at a roundtable discussion to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence in Sokoto, with the theme “Improving the Role of Women and Other Stakeholders in Preventing GBV”.
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The global theme of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December 2023, is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”
Okotie lamented the global impact of gender-based violence on the society, particularly women and girls, while calling for collective efforts and investments to tackle the menace.
“The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, observed annually, is aimed at creating more awareness about the dangers of the menace,” she said.
The gender specialist expressed gratitude to the state government, particularly the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, for its sustained support in the fight against gender-based violence.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Mr Hayatu Alhaji, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ending gender-based violence across the state.
He observed that significant progress was recorded in the reduction of GBV cases in the state due to stakeholders’ engagement and laws imposing stringent measures on perpetrators.
Alhaji further acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the state government, the Sultanate Council and development partners in breaking the silence on GBV cases.
The permanent secretary also emphasized the importance of victims seeking medical care promptly.
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