Violence Against Women: Gov Bello Matawalle Flags Off 16 Days of Activism Over Gender Based Violence in Zamfara State

Governor Bello Muhammed Matawalle has flagged off 16 days of Activism Over Gender Based Violence in Zamfara State organised by the Office of the State's First Lady, Her Excellency, Hajiya Aisha Bello Muhammed Matawalle.

Performing the flag off ceremony at the Government House, Gusau, Governor Bello Matawalle noted that there is noticeable increase in gender-based violence in their 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.

The Matawallen Maradun said Islam has given women a special place in the society for which he said, his administration would remain committed to championing the cause of women and other vulnerable groups in the state.

According to the governor, 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 the 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, in a welcome address, the Special Adviser, Office of the Zamfara State First Lady, Hajiya Fatima Musa, said the essence of the 16 days of Activism on Gender Based Violence in the state is to evolve more ways and areas of support on the prevention of violence against women in the state.

She said, the First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bello Muhammed Matawalle, is doing a lot in the campaign against gender based-violance, 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 the Zamfara State Sexual Assault Referral Centre with rape kits, in addition of being an ardent advocate of ending violence against women across the country.

In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Women, Children Affairs and Social Development,  Hajiya Zainab Lawal Gummi, said the state government is giving priority attention to the women folks as well as children's welfare in order to meet their yearnings and aspirations at all times.

Hajiya Zainab Lawal 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 violance against women and children.

The occasion was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Bala Bello Maru, Head of Service, Alhaji 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.