NAWOJ urges more effort against gender violence, empowers 50 women flood victims in Yobe
Story from Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu
The Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Yobe State Chapter, Fatima Mohammed Ahmad, has called on all actors against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) urging them to continue finding ways to change social norms to further prevent, mitigate and respond to GBV beyond the 16 days activism.
Fatima Ahmed made the plea on the occasion of rounding off the 2022 16 days activism which took place at the women and girls dignity centre, Damaturu.
The occasion which was organised by the NAWOJ in collaboration with the United Nation Population Fund (UNFPA) and Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA) featured GBV sensitisation to 50 women flood and windstorm victims, training on cosmetology (vaseline and liquid soap), and support of food items and detergents.
Speaking at the occasion, the NAWOJ chair of the association Fatima Ahmad as a protector and promoter of the course of women, children, and the less privileged in the society noted with concern that the prevalence of gender-based violence is growing as a result of natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
“This is the idea behind the GBV sensitisation, skills acquisitions, and support to them”, said Fatima Ahmed.
Yobe State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hauwa Bah Abubakar who was represented by her Deputy, Hajiya Hajara called on the beneficiaries to take the training seriously as it could be a source of livelihood for them.
She also urged them to be mindful of the proper upbringing of their children and closely monitor their activities and the type of peer group they live with.
The representative of the Yobe State coordinator UNFPA, Mr Musa commended the NAWOJ initiative and stressed that this is complimentary with the role of UNFPA.
Mr Musa revealed that just as this year’s theme call for actors to “UNITE to end violence against women and girls”, it becomes imperative for actors to partner and cooperate to address Gender Based Violence in a holistic approach to achieving zero tolerance to the menace.
During the GBV sensitisation to the women flood victims, Uwani Mahmuda highlighted the types of Gender Based Violence and their effects on the members of the family.
Uwani called on women to effectively utilise the available space for shelter and be considerate with the age and gender category of their children in allocating sleeping and other activities to avoid mingling with the opposite sex.
She also reminded the participants of their roles and responsibilities as parents which they must account for before Almighty God on the day of judgment.
Some of the participants expressed their gratitude to the organisers and promised to judiciously use the knowledge imparted to them and appreciate the support.
Highlights of the occasion included training on vaseline and liquid soap production as well as the distribution of relief materials to the participants.
