Attah Sisters Helping Hand Foundation, ASHH, a Bauchi Based non-governmental organisation has forged partnership with the Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria, FOMWAN Bauchi Chapter to end sexual and gender based violence in the state.
The civil Society groups disclosed this at a capacity building workshop ASHH Foundation organised for stakeholders on SGBV in Bauchi with support from Action Aid and Global Affairs Canada under the Women’s Voice Leadership Project (WVL).
Speaking at the two-day training, Mrs. Comfort Attah, Executive Director ASHH Foundation, said one of the main objective of the capacity building was to brainstorm with stakeholders aimed at mapping out strategies for prevention and managing gender based violence in Bauchi State.
Mrs. Attah encouraged participants to avail themselves the opportunity provided by the training through active participation.
“The WVL project would seek to ensure implementation of equal rights and opportunities, empowering women and prevention of gender based violence and management in the state.
“The project will provide training to key stakeholders towards attitudinal change regarding gender based issues , work with their communities at various levels, and enhance skills to be able to detect women at risk,” she said.
The Executive Director revealed that research has shown that Violence is the result of a complex interplay of several factors that includes social norms and attitudes.
On her part, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim Kilishi, Amirah of FOMWAN Bauchi State Chapter, encourages participating stakeholders not to hesitate on reporting any form of GBV cases in the society.
“It’s our responsibility to educate and sensitize the society on the dangers of covering up on such cases in the communities”.
Mr Dickson, gender expert who spoke at the training, said victims of GBV has also been associated with poor physical and mental health, diminished productivity and lack of economic opportunities.
The Committee of stakeholders were drawn from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Media, Medical Doctors,Civil Society Organisations, Police, Civil Defence, FOMWAN, FIDA, CAN and JNI.
