Groups, Norwegian Gov’t to Decorate Gombe Women Councilors as GBV Ambassadors

By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe

In a proactive effort to address Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Centre for the Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and with support from the Norwegian government, has inaugurated over 58 participants as SRHR and GBV Ambassadors in Gombe State.

The inauguration marked the conclusion of a two-day workshop centered on advocacy tools to combat GBV and promote SRHR awareness.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Gombe State, Hon. Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, described the workshop as timely and impactful.

She commended CERSDOV, UNFPA, and the Norwegian government for their commitment to addressing GBV, noting an alarming rise in reported and unreported cases across the state.

She urged the newly appointed ambassadors to extend the advocacy to grassroots communities, assisting the ministry in its fight against GBV.

Additionally, she called on other organizations to replicate similar initiatives to ensure a significant reduction in GBV cases.

Hon. Gabriel Galadima, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, also pledged his support to the ambassadors

He proposed forming a committee in collaboration with the ambassadors to intensify advocacy against GBV in rural areas and vowed to urge the state governor to declare a state of emergency on GBV.

Professor Hawa’u Evelyn Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer and Director of CERSDOV, expressed her satisfaction with the participants’ active involvement during the workshop.

She expressed optimism that collective efforts would help eliminate GBV in Gombe State.

She emphasized the vital roles played by traditional and religious leaders, the Ministry of Justice, FIDA, NGOs, and women councilors in the fight against GBV.

Professor Yusuf encouraged the ambassadors to remain dedicated to their responsibilities, warning against using the title without taking meaningful action.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr. Modi Shelpidi, applauded the collaboration between CERSDOV, UNFPA, and the Norwegian government in training the ambassadors.

He urged the ambassadors to utilize their newfound knowledge to protect vulnerable individuals and foster a safer community.