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Francis Sardauna in Katsina
The Katsina State Government has mobilised and sensitised critical stakeholders against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the need to report cases to its Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to combat the menace.
A one-day sensitisation, organised by the state’s Department of Girl Child Education and Child Development Tuesday, aimed at preventing GBV and promoting girl-child education in the state.
Addressing the participants, the Special Adviser to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on Girl Child Education and Child Development, Jamila Abdu Mani, said the government was committed to halting gender-based violence.
She said the sensitisation programme was timely and significant considering the increasing cases of gender-based violence reported across the state.
She explained that it was imperative to strengthen and sustain the awareness, enhance case management systems and work collectively to tame the number of gender-based violence in the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Department, Aminu Badaru Jikamshi, Mani said: “It is essential to work collectively to reduce these incidents being reported across the state.”
She admonished the stakeholders to reinforce proactive measures to combat the rising menace of gender-based violence and promote gender equity in their respective communities.
While describing girl-child education as a key driver of empowerment, protection and societal development, the special adviser urged the participants to work assiduously to address factors responsible for GBV in the state.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, said the Radda-led government has zero tolerance for gender-based violence and related crimes.
Faskari, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, warned that anyone found wanting would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He, therefore, urged victims of gender-based violence to report to the state-owned Sexual Assault Referral Centre for immediate action by relevant authorities.
