Plateau State Deputy Governor, Mrs Josephine Piyo, has called for better funding for the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Plateau State.
Piyo stated this at the 9th National Dialogue in Abuja, in commemoration of the 16-days of activism against gender-based violence 2023, organized by the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative ‘WRAPA’ in collaboration with Agents for Citizens Driven Transformation Programme (EU-ACT).
She noted that the National Dialogue with the theme ‘Invest, to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls’ was important as the fight against gender-based violence would not be achieved without proper funding to mitigate the menace and rehabilitate abused women and girls.
The Deputy Governor added that the dialogue would serve as a platform for diverse stakeholders to strategize and formulate actionable solutions for investing in the prevention of gender-based violence.
She however noted that the Plateau State government has put in place measures to tackle issues around gender-based violence with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law in place. Piyo added that arrangements are being concluded for the establishment of the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC Centres) in the state.
Piyo also disclosed that the government has also earmarked a budgetary allocation in the 2024 budget for issues relating to gender in the state, which she stated was for the first time in the history of Plateau State.
In a remark, the Secretary-General of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Mrs Saudatu Mahdi, highlighted that while various levels of government, religious leaders, and traditional rulers have committed to addressing the issue, more concerted efforts are required in allocating resources.
Mahdi urged stakeholders to view their commitment beyond the 16-days of activism and embrace a continuous dedication to combating gender-based violence.
The Special Adviser on Gender to Plateau State Governor, Barr. Olivia Dazyem stated that the National Dialogue on the theme demonstrates the importance of providing facilities for survivors of gender-based violence as the added value the centers bring to tackling the menace is at the heart of the SGBV response.
Dazyem appreciated the EU, British Council, and WRAPA for their work in the protection of women and girls in Nigeria, particularly WRAPA for its enormous contributions in Plateau State.
She stated that everyone has a responsibility to unite and ‘Invest, to prevent violence against women and girls” in our state and country as a whole, as it takes all to win the battle to stop all forms of violence against women and girls.
She appreciated Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration for his unwavering commitment and support to the cause of women and girls in Plateau State.
Dazyem stated that with the budgetary allocation earmarked for gender-based issues, the state was on a path to addressing the challenges faced by victims of gender violence.
In attendance were the Commissioners of Women Affairs, Mrs Caroline Panglang, and that of Budget and Planning, Mr Chrysantus Dawam.
