Connect with us

Uncategorized

Neem Foundation: Women Discrimination and Disempowerment, Clog in the Wheel of A Nation

Published

on

Neem Foundation: Women Discrimination and Disempowerment, Clog in the Wheel of A Nation

By Michael Mike

The discrimination and disempowerment of women and girls is a clog in the wheel of progress of a nation, the Executive Director, Neem Foundation, Dr Fatima Akilu has said.

Speaking at a Stakeholder Forum in Abuja organized by Neem and Ford foundations
to Review Access and Response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) in Northwest Nigeria, Akilu said: “The discrimination and disempowerment of women and girls threatens democracy, peace and security and is an obstacle to sustainable development. It weakens social cohesion, harmony, and justice and put a heavy burden on national economies.”

She however said that “despite the various challenges and gaps, progress has been seen in recent years which is attributed to the leadership of many stakeholders at the Abuja meeting.

Akilu told the gathering from stakeholders in Sokoto, Kaduna and Kano, that: “From being hidden in a culture of silence and impunity, eliminating violence against women has become a national priority, supported by a solid national and international framework.

She explained that “the VAPP and Child Protection Laws in the states obligate them to take responsibility for responding to violence against women and girls. Implementing and adopting these Laws is a strong foundation for women and girls’ rights to equality and freedom from violence. However, these documents remain inoperative and unenforceable if not properly implemented in the states that have adopted them.”

She however lamented: “That we are sitting here today discussing these issues means we still have a long way to go. We are here today to recognise that enhanced coordination and strategic partnerships can bridge the difference between despair and hope in a person who has experienced violence due to their sex or gender.”

She added that: “Although there have been setbacks, we have seen many good practices in recent years. It is essential to look at the evidence, at ‘what works’ to address violence against women. Such experiences can inspire and motivate others and serve as the engine for replication and scaling up. Most importantly, they must underpin the expanding global framework and consensus on ending violence against women and girls.

“Today’s engagement will be an opportunity to share evidence from the ground and to demonstrate that when Governments make adequate political and financial commitments, it is possible to see progress in eliminating violence against women. We hope to see new and improved laws and national action plans that provide for protection and provision of multi-sectoral services that include free hotline services, police and justice responses, shelters, legal aid, medical and health care services, including sexual and reproductive health services, and psycho-social counselling and support to women survivors of violence and their children. It is also essential that these services work together most efficiently and effectively to reduce the burden and impact on women and girls in reporting, response and recovery. These processes can be empowering for women.”

Akilu said: “We count on sensitisation/education programmes that teach human rights, equality and mutual respect. We need increasing numbers of women in politics, law enforcement, and peacebuilding architectures. We need adequate social protection, equal economic opportunities and decent jobs for women,” calling on all stakeholders present not to stop at words, insisting that: “We all must affirm a culture of zero tolerance for violence against women. At the centre of our discussions must be only one consideration – progress for women and girls everywhere.”

On her part, the Sokoto State Honorable Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Kulu Abdullahi Sifawa commended the Neem and Ford foundations for a job well done in the execution of the 18 month-funded project “Prevent and Protect; Strengthening access and response to GBV in Sokoto, Kaduna, and Kano State”.

She attested to the change in the narrative in prevention and response to GBV and related issues that have impacted the lives of women and children in Sokoto state.

She disclosed that the Sokoto State has experienced 1,1 92 cases of gender-based violence since the Nanan Khadija Sexual Assault Referral Centre opened its doors in May 2020 with a total of 779 females and 413 males out of which 618 are females aged below 18 years while 388 are males that are minors.

She added that: “In the year 2022 alone, we have witnessed 476 cases of gender-based violence of which 85% are against women and girls.”

She said: “The Sokoto State Government has made giant efforts to both Prevent and respond to GBV through the passage of relevant laws, and policies, the establishment of structures, and the strengthening of systems that both prevents and responds to GBV and other related issues in the state. The fight has also been sustained to ensure justice for the survivors and their families.”

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Uncategorized

Fourteen arrested bandits confirmed loyal to notorious militia leader Konyo in Benue

Published

on

Fourteen arrested bandits confirmed loyal to notorious militia leader Konyo in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

Fourteen of the 25 suspects arrested during a recent joint security operation in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State have been confirmed to be loyalists of the notorious militia and bandits’ leader, Konyo.

The suspects were apprehended on Monday during a confidence-building patrol and show-of-force conducted along the Katsina-Ala–Takum Federal Highway, following intelligence reports of planned attacks on Tor-Donga town.

Credible findings revealed that the 14 individuals are members of an armed militia network responsible for a wave of violent crimes including kidnappings and ambushes in Gbise and surrounding communities.

The confirmed suspects are Awuhe Terungwa, Asawa Terseer, Terkura Audu, Terseer Gusa, Sesugh Terver, Dengba Tersugh Benjamin, Goji Abraham, Joshua Ioraenyi, Chia Fanen, Mson Iorfa, Terhemen Yanmeer, Yerfa Iorchir, Viashima Ngutor, and Vendaga Anthony – all natives of Gbise town.

Their arrest followed swift action by joint troops who stormed the area after sighting suspicious individuals along the highway. A subsequent raid led to the arrest of others attempting to regroup in the nearby bush.

Security monitoring and operations in the area have been intensified to forestall further violence

Fourteen arrested bandits confirmed loyal to notorious militia leader Konyo in Benue

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth 

Published

on

Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth 

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace peace-building through education and social media.


He, however, ddescribed Nigerian youth as the country’s most potent force against violent extremism, terrorism, and insurgency.
Musa made the call while addressing a students, civil society organisations, traditional leaders and security officials at a Multi-sector conference on countering extremism ideology and insurgency on Saturday in Maiduguri.

The event was organised by the Kaltu Foundation for Peace, Network of Civil Society Organisation.
The event which  focused on “Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism Through Youth Engagement and Civic Dialogue,” featured the unveiling of a new book.


The book is titled Stand Against Violence, Terrorism, and Extremism: An Admonition to Nigerian Youths, co-authored by Gen. Musa and other senior defence stakeholders.
In his keynote address, the Defence Chief emphasised that the burden of national security and peace cannot rest solely on the military, stressing that “the future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its youth.


“If we want to defeat insurgency, it is the youth that will do it. If we want to prevent violent extremism and reclaim our schools, our homes and our dignity, it is the youth that must lead the charge,” Musa declared.
Drawing from his personal military experience in the region, Gen. Musa reflected on his service in the North-East as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai and Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, stressing the resilience of the people and the importance of civic support to military success.


He thanked the people of Borno for their sustained cooperation with the armed forces, adding that  the current military leadership under Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar as “capable and committed.


“Nation building is a continuous, painstaking, and tireless effort, especially for patriotic and well-meaning Nigerians like you,” he said. “We must not relent.


“Things are improving. With your support, we will achieve total peace,” he said.
Speaking on the power of information in the digital age, Musa warned against the misuse of social media platforms by extremist elements, calling on the youth to use technology to promote peace, unity, and truth.


“Social media today does not merely shape opinions, it influences behaviour, identity, and belief systems.
“We must repurpose it as a tool for civic education, truth-telling, countering disinformation, and supporting our security forces,” the CDS said.


He urged students and youth to become “ambassadors of peace,” leveraging peer influence and community engagement to challenge radical ideologies and reclaim their spaces from those who sow division and hatred.


“Let us start a new movement. A movement of young Nigerians committed to rebuilding their communities through values that reflect our collective national identity – peace, unity, truth, and purpose,” Musa said. 


The CDS, however, expressed optimism that the publication would become a key resource in educational and security institutions, saying he welcomed reviews and constructive criticism.


“There are no perfect solutions to the complex issues we face but through multilateral collaboration and thoughtful dialogue, we can sharpen our strategies and outpace the ever-evolving tactics of non-state actors,” he added.


Musa also paid tribute to the Borno government, traditional rulers, scholars and members of the academic and civil society for what he described as their “unwavering commitment to peace.”


The event was attended by top officials from the military, Borno Government, Network of Civil Society Organisations, youth groups, and students from tertiary institutions across the North-East.

Embrace peace-building via education – CDS tells youth 

Continue Reading

Uncategorized

Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe

Published

on

Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe

By: Zagazola Makama

Two young men have been arrested in Ngalda town, Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State, for allegedly beating an 18-year-old boy, Abbas Zakari, to death over a missing phone and power bank.

Zagazola gathered from sources that the incident occurred on Friday, June 27, at about 5:00 p.m., when the suspects, identified as Musa Sale, 25, and Muntari Suleiman, 23, accused the deceased of stealing two mobile phones (an Android and a keypad model) and a power bank.

According to a relative, Hussaini Zakari, who reported the matter to the police, the suspects apprehended Abbas in Potiskum, where he had reportedly gone to sell the items, and recovered the handsets from him.

Instead of handing him over to the police upon returning to Ngalda, the suspects allegedly took matters into their own hands and severely beat the teenager with sticks.

The victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Fika by police officers, but was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor. His remains were released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The suspects have since been arrested and have reportedly confessed to the assault during preliminary interrogation.

Police say the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.

Two arrested over beating death of teenager over missing phone in Yobe

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights