Governor Bello Muhammed of Zamfara, has stressed that his administration was committed to protect the rights of women and other vulnerable groups in the state.
He stated this during the inauguration of the 16-day activism on gender-based violence, organised by the office of the First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bello.
In a statement by his Press Secretary, the governor noted that there was “noticeable increase in gender-based violence in our communities, hence the need for the office of the first lady in collaboration with development partners, to strive hard to fight the menace in the state.”
According to him, Islam has given women a special place in the society and his administration would remain committed to championing the cause of women and other vulnerable groups in the state.
He added that the state government, through the office of the first lady, will sustain its ongoing efforts and continue to identify ways of preventing violence against women in all parts of the state.
He called on the organizers of the event and other development partners working in the state, to take the campaign to all nooks and crannies of the state through the use of electronic media, traditional and religious institutions, as well as opinion leaders for the attainment of the desired goals.
Earlier, the Special Adviser, office of the First lady, Hajiya Fatima Musa said the essence of the 16-day activism on gender based violence, is to evolve more ways and areas of support on the prevention of violence against women in the state.
She said, the first lady is doing a lot in the campaign against gender based-violence through enlightenment and the engagement of critical stakeholders in ending the culture of violence against women in the state.
She said the first lady provided support to Zamfara Sexual Assault Referral Centre with rape kits, in addition to being an ardent advocate of ending violence against women across the country.
In her remarks, the state Commissioner of Women, Children Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Gummi said the state government is giving priority attention to women folks as well as children’s welfare in order to meet their yearnings and aspirations at all times.
Mrs Gummi called on civil society organisations in the state to intensify efforts to put an end to the culture of violence against women and children.
During the event, the children parliament made a special presentation on the need to stop all forms of violence against women and children.
The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the state government, Bala Bello Maru; Head of Service, Kabiru Balarabe; Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr Bashir Muhammed Maru; some members of the state Executive council, Special Advisers, development partners, and Human Rights Organisations among others.
