2 hours ago
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The Taraba State Aids Control Agency (TACA) has urged residents of Taraba State to intensify public awareness and take proactive measures to address the rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the state.
The appeal was made during the Gender and Human Rights (GHR) and State Response Team (SRT) quarterly meeting held in Jalingo, where stakeholders from various sectors gathered to deliberate on GBV and child rights issues.
Speaking, TACA’s Gender and Human Rights Focal Person, Charity Yakubu, called on citizens to move beyond passive awareness and become actively involved in combating abuse and rights violations, stressing that individuals must not only “see something and say something” but also take decisive steps when confronted with such cases.
Yakubu explained that the GHR/SRT platform provides a quarterly opportunity to review GBV-related issues, particularly those affecting persons living with HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable groups. She emphasised that tackling GBV requires a coordinated effort involving government agencies, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies, and individuals.
“At every level, people must take responsibility by educating and informing others about human rights and the dangers of GBV,” she said.
TACA, she further stated, cannot address the problem alone without collaboration across ministries and partner agencies.
Also speaking, the Director General of TACA, Dr Bako Ali Istifanus, described GBV as a serious societal menace affecting both young and old across the state and the country. Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Bala Zungeri, he urged participants to engage in meaningful deliberations and propose practical solutions to curb the trend.
Stakeholders at the meeting identified poverty, loneliness, and unemployment as key drivers of GBV, noting that economic hardship often exposes women to exploitation and abuse.
To tackle these challenges, participants called on organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria, Muslim groups, philanthropists, and civil society organisations to support sustainable financial empowerment initiatives for women.
Participants also called for a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and intensify advocacy efforts aimed at reducing GBV and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations in Taraba State.
Taraba agency calls for stronger action against rising gender-based violence
