16 Days Activism: Groups Advocates Safe Home for SGBV victims in Plateau

Plateau State Coordinator of the National Human Right Commission, Mrs. Veronica Agbe has called on government to establish Safe Home for victims of Sexual and Gender Based Violence for rehabilitation before reuniting them with their families.

Mrs. Agbe was speaking at Forgiveness Garden in Jos on Thursday, while commemorating this year’s Sixteen Days Activism along side other advocates and mediators.

She urged government to ensure that perpetrators of violence against women are held accountable and to also provides necessary institutions and Infrastructures for rehabilitation of victims of sexual and Gender Based Violence.

“For instance, if a girl is raped, you don’t take her back to where she was raped. You need to counsel her and provide her psychosocial support.

“So we are calling on government to provide safe home to rehabilitate them before being integrated with their families.” she added.

The National Human Right Commission Coordinator said the Commission has received over one thousand Human Right violation complaints in the state within one year and out of which almost 85% are Sexual Based Violence.

The Lead Women Mentor and the organizer of the event, Elder Chief Justina Ngwobia while addressing the participants, said the program is in collaboration with UN Women with support from the Norwegian Embassy and Cleen Foundation to commemorate the day.

She said the central message is simple, “No longer Excuses, we can no longer tolerate Gender Based Violence in our Communities” calling on people to come together and raise the voices of women and girls against the menace.

“My message is to really talk to government to enact policies, a gender friendly policy that would bring men and women to the table…. not policies that accommodate only men.” She said.

She appreciated Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State for considering women in his administration noting that, they are pleased with his appointment and look forward to having more women in elective positions like the House of Assembly and the rest.

Also speaking, Dr. Peter Gad, a development worker and a gender expert said he is there to support the women and say no excuse to having a safe society for all.

He said there are many barriers against women which need to be addressed right from homes, Schools and offices. He called on government, traditional rulers and all people to create a safe society where women will no longer suffer any form of violence in the society.

The event was organized by Women Mediators in collaboration with UN Women with support from the Norwegian Embassy, Cleen Foundation and other organizations to create awareness and call for the elimination of violence against women and girls in the society.