The Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi state Chapter has called on the Media as the fourth estate of the realm to amplify the voices of victims of rape in the state.
Chairperson of the organization, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim Kilishi made the called on Wednesday during a media parley held in Bauchi.
She said that the association has embarked on community mobilization and sensitization on the persistent rape cases in all the 20 local government areas in the state.
“We are sensitizing communities and parents on presenting rape cases to authorities.
“Media organization should create awareness to the public on the physical and psychological effect of rape on the victim.
“For the culprits there is need for researchers to conduct psychological reasons behind this issue of rape.
“We have sexual and gender based violence in six local government areas of Gamawa, Misau, Warji, Dass, Tafawa Balewa and Ningi that we are currently running in court,” she said.
Ibrahim said the media is a vital tool in sensitizing and educating the public on the effect gender based violence and the contents of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) act.
She said FOMWAN in partnership with Fahimta Women and Youths Development, Attah Sisters Helping Hands Foundation, Rahma Women Development Association will continue to drum for an end on sexual and gender based violence in Bauchi.
Also commenting, the Executive Director of Attah Sisters Helping Hands Foundation, Mrs Comfort Attah attributed the increase of rape to inadequate punishment that could deter other perpetrators.
She said life imprisonment or death sentence should be imposed on violators whenever they are found wanting.
