By Uche Onyeali
National Council for Women Societies, NCWS, has embarked on a sensitisation campaign against Gender-Based Violence, GBV.
The campaign, which was carried out mostly in secondary schools, and led by the new National President of NCWS, Princess Edna Azura, is also aimed at popularising the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, Act.
The team first visited Karu Local Government Council of Nasarawa State, where it was received by the Vice Chairman, Ibrahim Bulus alongside the wife of the council chairman, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar.
Bulus thanked NCWS for taking up the critical challenge of educating Nigerians, especially the younger ones on the negative impact of GBV and other related menace among households.
He expressed the chairman’s delight on hearing of their visit and its purpose.
According to him, since they assumed office, the council had embarked on life-changing programmes, starting from the dirty environment they met at the secretariat to lack of water, adding that after a lot of work, the whole area can now boast of pipe-borne water, clean environment and steady electricity.
The chairman promised that the local government will do its best to work with the council.
On her part, the chairman’s wife was full of praises for NCWS, for using the local government area as a stepping stone for the new assignment.
In her remark, the NCWS president informed the chairman that the visit was her first official assignment since she took over the reins at NCWS.
She thanked Nasarawa chapter of NCWS for their efforts.
At Government Science Secondary School, New Karu, Princess Azura said the sensitisation campaign became necessary to educate the younger ones on the dangers of GBV and also promote a culture of respect, tolerance and equality among future leaders.
“Today, we gather to sensitise and educate you, our future leaders, about the dangers of GBV and the importance of promoting a culture of respect, tolerance and equality.
“We are proud to collaborate with the International Council of Women to bring this vital message to your school community.
“GBV is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including Nigeria. It is a violation of human rights, a betrayal of trust and a threat to our collective well-being. GBV can take many forms, including physical, emotional and psychological abuse, and it can occur in any setting, including our homes, schools and communities.
“As future leaders, it is essential that you understand the root causes of GBV and the importance of promoting gender equality and respect for all individuals. You must recognise that GBV is not just women’s issue, but a human rights issue that requires a collective response,” Azura said.
She added that the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act is a critical legislation that aims to prevent and respond to GBV in Nigeria.
According to her, “The Act provides a framework for protecting victims of GBV and holding perpetrators accountable. “As students, it is essential that you understand your rights and responsibilities under the VAPP Act and how you can contribute to creating a society free from it.”
She urged the students to recognise the fact that everyone has the right to live free from violence and abuse, as well as speak out against GBV whenever it is observed.
Azura, who urged youths to always support survivors of GBV and encourage them to seek help, also encouraged them to be agents of change in their schools and communities.
In response, Principal of the school, Mr Ahbu Sanusi expressed appreciation to NCWS and promised that their coming to the school would not be a waste.
Sanusi promised to ensure that the school and others around benefit from the sensitisation campaign.
