Some members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly have pledged unwavering support for legislative measures addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF).
The commitment was voiced during a high-profile sensitisation meeting organised by the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MWCA) in collaboration with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).
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The meeting, attended by 10 state assembly members, saw Alhaji Abdullahi Zakari, the Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, emphasising the need to include GBV and VVF services in the budget.
Chairmen of the House Committees on Social Welfare, Humanitarian Activities, Health, and Religious Affairs echoed the sentiment, urging comprehensive service coverage across all 23 local government areas.
MWCA’s Permanent Secretary, Hajiya A’isha Dantsoho, acknowledged legislative efforts, citing the enactment of Child Protection and Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) laws as instrumental.
Addressing the healthcare aspect, Dr. Bello Lawal, Chief Medical Director of Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital, highlighted the challenges in treating VVF cases.
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Dr. Auwal Musa from Nana Khadija Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) Cases Referral Centre reported on treating 1,531 SGBV survivors since 2020.
Similarly, UNFPA Programme Officer, Ms. Gloria Enuaze, reiterated the fund’s commitment during the 16 Days of Activism, emphasising its global goal to eliminate GBV and raise awareness about its impact on women and children.
