… To begin aggressive sensitization…
Daniel Atori
As stakeholders converge to address the issue of peace and security, Niger state government has reiterated that, stiffer measures await anyone indulged in Gender Based Violence (GBV), saying punishments would serve as deterrent to perpetrators.
Speaking to Journalists at the Validation of Niger State Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) organised by Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) in collaboration with UK International Development in Minna, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Hadiza Idris Kuta lamented that a lot of women are still not aware that they have where to get help from.
According to her “as a government, we frown against any form of violence and we will no hesitate to utilise the stiff measures as ensured in our laws on any perpetrators.
“However, we need to do more advocacy and aggressive sensitization so that those who have been violated can come out and speak so that those who are responsible for such crimes are actually punished because we must see an end to gender based violence.”
She further expressed optimism that the Action Plan would see the light of the day saying “I am really happy because the document will guide everyone especially in the areas of peace and security”.
While speaking on the objectives of the validation meeting, the Executive Director, Gender Equality, Peace and Development Centre (GEPaDC), Prof. Patricia O. Donli said
She added that, the life span of the Action Plan shall be within four years, adding that, “at the end of four years we will have to go for another review.”
Furthermore, Prof. Donli said “currently, there are 16 states that have domesticated it in Nigeria and the PWAN decided to make Niger State the 17th state that will develop its Action Plan.