GBV: Group takes sensitization to Motor Park in Bauchi
By Ahmed Ahmed
A Group, Kafin Madaki Community Peace Mediators in Bauchi State has taken a sensitisation campaign on curbing cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) to Kafin Madaki Motor Park.
Malam Idi Kafin Madaki, leader of the group said they are in the Motor Park to educate and create awareness on the dangers of the Gender Based Violence on Friday in Bauchi
He raised concerns over the increasing cases of GBV in motor parks across the country, urging commercial transport workers to curb the menace.
“Describing GBV as human rights as well as a life-threatening issue, he lamented that members of the transport unions usually turn blind eyes to the menace.
“Sexual harassment, economic violence, forced marriage and involuntary withdrawal from school. Beatings or batterings and being sexually abused in childhood were reported,” he said.
He added that the perpetrators of the abuse were some of the drivers or bus conductors and neighbors and these acts mostly occurred in the motor-parks and at home.
Idi however expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Motor park for their supportive engagement during the visit.
Also Speaking, Mr Musa Yusuf, Member of the group, encouraged officials and members of the Motor park to advocate against gender-based violence and underscored the importance of taking appropriate actions to prevent such offenses.
He also explained the legal implications of non-reporting under the Violence Against Person Prohibition Law.
On his part, Mr Kingsley Yallings of ASHH Foundation explained the Violence Against Person Prohibition Law, which was domesticated and signed into law by the Bauchi state government in 2023.
“It was emphasized that failure to report a rape incident, if discovered, could result in a two-year imprisonment.
“Additionally, concerns were raised about cases not being pursued to a logical conclusion due to the survivor’s status.
“ASHH Foundation, being a human rights organization, has a history of standing up for survivors and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice through legal channels.
Responding, Mr Adamu Pati, the chairman of the motorpark, expressed appreciation to the visit
He reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of women and girls, dispelling stereotypes about the park.
Pati commended Women for Women International, ASHH Foundation, and Peace Mediators for their dedicated sensitization efforts.
The Attah Foundation Bauchi (ASHH Foundation), is generously funded by Women for Women International (WFWI). The collaboration aims to empower positive change and create a community that stands united against gender-based violence.