Tumfure Community Makes Public Declaration Against GBV, Harmful Practices
From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Tumfure community in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State has publicly declared its resolve to end gender-based violence (GBV), early child marriage, and other harmful cultural practices, adopting a zero-tolerance policy across the community.
The declaration was made during a sensitisation and advocacy visit organise by the Gombe State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (MOWA), in collaboration with UN Women, as part of ongoing efforts to protect the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of women and girls.
Speaking at the event, the District Head of Tumfure, Alhaji Abubakar Haruna, said the decision was reached after unanimous consultations and agreement among traditional, religious, and community leaders to eliminate practices that undermine human dignity and hinder social development.
He explained that the outlawed practices include rape, early and forced marriage, denial of access to education and healthcare, forced labour, and all other forms of violence and abuse against women and girls.
Representing the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, the Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Iliya Y. Hamza, commended the Tumfure community for its bold leadership, describing the declaration as a model worthy of replication by other communities across Gombe State.
A formal declaration jointly issued and endorsed by religious and community leaders reaffirmed Tumfure’s commitment, with the full support of the Gombe State Government, to abolish gender-based violence and harmful cultural norms.
The declaration followed extensive consultations with MOWA, UN Women, and other stakeholders, culminating in a collective pledge to implement practical measures focused on prevention, protection of survivors, and accountability.
Key commitments outlined include community-wide education and awareness programmes, sustained engagement with traditional and religious institutions, and support for legal and policy reforms aimed at addressing GBV and early marriage.
The community also pledged to strengthen support services for survivors by ensuring access to healthcare, legal assistance, and psychosocial support.
To ensure sustainability, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms will be put in place to track progress, promote accountability, and protect the rights of all individuals.
The declaration is binding on all residents, traditional and religious leaders, visitors, and non-indigenes within the Tumfure community.
Tumfure further reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, UN Women, and other partners to ensure the declaration is widely publicised and fully implemented.
