By Inusa Ndahi Maiduguri
BORNO State Government under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum is to partner with World Bank, National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), COVID 19 Preparedness and Response Project (COPREP), other ministries of women affairs and that of Health to roll out a comprehensive action plan to prevent or punish acts of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).
Recall that the over decade atrocities posed by insurgents which led to displacement of millions of people, hitherto living in camps, a situation which aggravated the rate of sexual violence and exploitation.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo at the closing of a Workshop in Maiduguri, ably represented by her Director in the ministry, Mrs Falmata Omar.
She called upon all sectors of society to join forces and contribute to a societal transformation where sexual violence is not just punished but also prevented.
” I want to reiterate the Ministry’s commitment under the Leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno state, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum in creating a safer and more enabling environment for all residents in Borno state.
“This workshop was facilitated by experts across the humanitarian and development sectors with topics ranging from the key SEA/SH concepts, IASC policy framework and principles, Bulletin 2003, survivor centered approach and the GBV guiding principles.
“This program is not only a step towards justice for survivors but also a testament to the resilience and strength of a community determined to uphold the rights and safety of its most vulnerable members, especially women.” Gambo said
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Baba Gana Kadai, said, “this initiative, made possible through the financial aid of the World Bank, and spearheaded by the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human services as well as Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in partnership with NCDC and COPREP.
“The program’s launch, which coincides with a global push for the protection of human rights and the empowerment of women and children, represents a concerted effort to address the scourge of sexual violence that has been on the rise in the region.
“With participants drawn from the 27 LGAs of the state including religious and traditional rulers, is a strategic move to address and curtail the rampant cases of sexual exploitation that have plagued the region, exacerbated by the ongoing conflicts and recognizing the important role that all stakeholders play in the prevention and response to such issues of Gender-Based Violence.
“With the backing of the World Bank, we are setting in motion a series of measures that not only aim to prevent Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), Sexual Harassment (SH), but also ensure that justice is served to the victims of such heinous acts,” said Kadai.
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