The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNPFA); is to partner Yobe State Ministries of Health, Women Affairs and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in communities.
According to UN Fund, the fight is to engage and interact with women and girls fulfil their potentials for self-reliance and economic empowerment.
UNFPA’s State Coordinator, Musa Bala disclosed this Thursday at the Civil Service Union Secretariat Complex, Damaturu to mark 16 days of awareness, prevention and response to GBV in the state.
“Before us today, are the set of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and livelihood women empowerment items presented to the state,” he said, adding that they are to be continuously provided for safe space in Kofar Sarki and Kukareta communities.
He added that this is to enable women and girls become self-reliant with various economic empowerments at the door steps.
While implementing the partnership on GBV, he said: “We’re working with MoH and MoWA through thier supported annual work plans,” noting that this will strengthen health response to GBV; as well its prevention and responses when safe spaces and centres are fully equipped.
Bala explained that they would ensure that GBV and SRH concerns; are being addressed; as the ministries are providers of last resort.
He said livelihoods skills acquisition activities for 100 vulnerable women in Damaturu; was completed for a safe space.
He therefore; assured that plans are underway to fully register them with the social protection structure on ground.
“We are also propositioning essential lifesaving SRH and maternal health supplies for use,” he added, noting that most of the resources are being targeted at coronavirus (COVID-19) response to ensure lifesaving in communities.
The Commissioner of Women Affairs, Hajiya Hauwa Bah said that the flag off campaign against GBV themed: “Orange the World: Fund, Response, Prevent and Collect,” was for global action to bridge funding gaps.
“You’re to focus on prevention and collection of data that can improve lifesaving services for women and girls,” he said, adding that the campaign is part of UN efforts for Beijing +25 to end violence against women.
