The Pathfinder Women and Children Development Initiative (PWCDI), an NGO, has reactivated its response teams to address cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and strengthen community partnerships across Sokoto State.
The initiative’s Facilitator, Hajia A’isha Dantsoho, disclosed this during a sensitisation lecture organised as part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV on Tuesday in Sokoto.
Dantsoho emphasised the need for increased community engagement, educational awareness and interpersonal discussions to address the rising prevalence of GBV in society.
She underscored the need for governments at all levels to prioritise the establishment of volunteer response teams to support GBV prevention efforts.
According to her, such measures are essential to address misconceptions, break the culture of silence and strengthen shelters and psychosocial support systems for survivors.
Dantsoho cautioned community members against concealing rape and other serious offences or tampering with evidence before investigations are concluded.
She described such interference as a major obstacle to preserving evidence needed for successful prosecution of perpetrators in court.
She added that citizens have a responsibility to amplify survivors’ voices, challenge harmful narratives and sustain public attention on GBV-related issues.
Dantsoho noted that insecurity, economic hardship, harmful cultural practices and weak enforcement mechanisms continue to expose women and girls to various forms of abuse in the region.
She also called for strengthened GBV desks in police stations, schools and health facilities to improve response systems and access to support services.
In his lecture on digital literacy, Mr Ahmad Junaidu described this year’s theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” as timely, stressing the importance of promoting digital awareness to curb online GBV.
Junaidu highlighted the dangers of circulating content that violates citizens’ rights on social media and urged authorities to increase public enlightenment on digital safety and GBV prevention.
In his remarks, Alhaji Bello Tambuwal from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning commended the organisers for selecting relevant topics and targeting youths, who remain highly vulnerable to digital violence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and attended by physically challenged persons, Islamiyya students, adolescents, youths and other community groups.
