In an effort to enlighten the general public on gender-based violence, 100 women drawn across Potiskum local government council of Yobe state have been sensitized on prevention and response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
The sensitization which was carried out by African Youth for Peace Development and Empowerment Foundation (AFRYDEV) with support from Center for Democracy and Development (CDD) was aimed at strengthening prevention and response mechanism through awareness creation.
Giving an overview of the training, AFRYDEV program officer Abdullahi M. Machina, said “GBV is everyone’s business and it requires all hands to be on desk to put measures to reduce the risk amongst women and girls.”
He added that the project was to compliment government efforts in SGBV response through sensitization of women on prevention.
The Chairman of Potiskum local government Council, Alhaji Salisu Muktari Dambam represented by his Deputy Hon. Abubakar Mohammed thumbs AFRYDEV for selecting Potiskum as its pilot project and encouraged them on cultural and religious sensitivity in the approach.
“Women are afraid of reporting violence more especially sexual violence due to the stigma associated while silence leaves a devastating and negative impact on victims. We are committed and our doors are always open for any other support when needed to achieve the project’s goal,” he said.
Hauwa Mairo Gimba, the local government gender officer, said “GBV cannot be prevented if not addressed from root.”
Gimba urges women to “share knowledge gain to their families, women and young girls ,urging them to speak up and report any form of violence against women”.
