By Ahmed Ahmed
The Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) took a sensitisation campaign on Gender Based Violence (GBV) to Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi to mark the 2022,16 Days of Activism in Bauchi State.
The Programme Officer CITAD in Bauchi, Mr Mujahid Ibrahim, while speaking at the sensitisation campaign in the polytechnic on Thursday said the campaign is targeted at students who are the vanguard of change.
Mr Abba Pali, Lecturer with the Department of Mass Communication of the polytechnic in his presentation urged the youth to be responsible in the fight against GBV and have a huge positive force for change.
According to him, youth have a great role to play in preventing violence; working towards maintaining and promoting peace, security and focusing on prevention rather than belated interventions.
"Youth should be aware however, that they may be targeted for exercising their human rights so there is need to empower them and this must feature clearly in action plans to end violence and grow their potential for peace, justice, development and mutual respect.
He said youth groups should be put in place to promote peace, fight prejudice and injustices, the young women and men should be integrated into decision-making at local, national, regional and international levels
"To help foster trust between young people and decision makers. Political leaders should set an example by upholding the values of equality and mutual respect among all people," he said he
He also stressed that youth should be partners of government and government programs targeting youth should be age appropriate, dynamic and creative and the private sector should be encouraged to support youth programs, projects, activities and initiatives.
On her part, Malama Hauwa Danlami representative of Federation of Muslim Women's Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) in Bauchi state, said it all starts with the economic empowerment of women.
"As women, we must take concrete action in the fight for gender equality and tackle GBV.
"The point is even when women are taught about what is wrong, if they are not economically independent, some of them are forced to stay in an environment where abuse occurs.
"It is not enough to just shout: End GBV. It's not enough to just loudly say power to women. We need to take steps to ensure we, as women, are empowered.
Danlami reiterated that It is important to empower women by giving them opportunities to become economically independent because this is a first step in achieving real women empowerment.
Also Speaking, Barrister Ilya Mbami Sabka, the Executive Director, Council for Affirmative Action (COFAA) spoke on Gender Based Violence in the Eye of Law.
He explained that gender-based violence and rule of law improve protections for women
He expressed concern that states have passed laws criminalizing different forms of gender-based violence.
"Yet violence remains a serious threat for millions of women and girls who face barriers to reporting violence and accessing support services and resources.
"Why are laws often insufficient and how can we strengthen implementation," he queried
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