The Taraba Action Committee on Aids (TACA), in collaboration with other Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs), has taken a sensitization campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Taraba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that TACA in conjunction with the Network of People With Aids in Nigeria (NEPWAN), Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNI)-USAID, Key Population Secretariat and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) marked the 16 Days Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls 2024 with the theme ‘ Speak Up’.
The sensitization campaign was launched in Kpantinapu village in the Yorro local government area of Taraba on Wednesday.
Speaking, Mrs. Shepuya Atiku, Director of the agency, said that the world had changed, encouraging both women and girls to wake up to defend themselves against Gender-Based Violence such as rape.
She expressed concern that due to the fear of stigmatization, most victims would not voice up their victimization.
She, however, said that the government at all levels, as well as NGOs and other civil organizations, were ready to take such cases up in bringing perpetrators of such acts to book.
Mrs. Rashidat Mahmoud, a Representative of AHNI-USAID, called on various NGOs and CSOs to fight for the defense towards eradicating rape and other gender-based violence.
Mahmoud encouraged women and girls to seek redress whenever victimized.
She, however, advised whoever would be victimized in cases of rape to first go to the hospital for the confirmation of rape before reporting to relevant authorities.
Mr. Yakubu Garpha, Representative of the NHRC in Taraba, described gender-based violence as a violation of fundamental human rights.
Garpha said that the office was open to all citizens who are victims of such victimization, urging them not to hesitate in reporting such rights violations to the organization.
The sensitization campaign brought together security agencies, paramilitary organizations, NGOs, and the media.
