Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ishola Michael
Published on 2024-03-16 08:11:20
A stakeholders meeting was held in Bauchi to address the advancement of women’s rights and the reduction of violence against women. The meeting took place at the Yimir Hotel and was attended by 30 stakeholders from various organizations, including the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), FIDA, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and more.
The Programme Coordinator of Women for Women International in Bauchi, Naomi Gokwat, expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders for attending the meeting. She highlighted the organization’s goal of empowering women in Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Cross Rivers states, where they have been helping women affected by war to realize their full potential. The meeting was a result of a small grant provided to a staff member to carry out a community impact project.
Advocacy messages were delivered on the importance of creating violence-free spaces for women and girls. These spaces provide protection against abuse, empower survivors to rebuild their lives, contribute to community resilience, and foster empathy and equality. The stakeholders were urged to advocate for increased access to these safe spaces in Bauchi communities through awareness raising, policy support, collaboration, education, and empowerment.
Barrister Yachit Dala, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission, delivered a paper on legal empowerment and awareness creation. The session was interactive, presenting various policies and documents related to women’s rights. Mal Usman Sulaiman and Bishop Isaac Crown also presented papers on community initiatives to create safe spaces for women and girls and involve men and boys in supporting women at the grassroots level.
The Community Impact project, funded by Atlas Corps through Women for Women International, provides support grants to individuals like Victoria Ayodele Fajinmi, who completed a leadership training program with the Hilton Humanitarian Prize Laureate Virtual Leadership Institute empowered by Atlas Corps. This program included over 100 hours of workshops, assignments, discussions, and community-building activities with renowned organizations and leaders.
Overall, the stakeholders meeting in Bauchi was a significant step towards advancing women’s rights and reducing violence against women. Through collaboration, education, advocacy, and empowerment, the stakeholders aim to create safer spaces for women and girls in the community. By engaging all members of society, including men and boys, in supporting women’s rights, the stakeholders hope to build a more inclusive and equal society.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
