Is Now Time To Take Action To Save Women And Children From Assault-NAWOJ Nasarawa

Rabiu Omaku

 

The Vice President Zone D,of the Association of Women Journalists, Jamila Abubakar has raised alarmed over the rising spate of violence against Women and Children.

 

The National officer called on the womenfolk not to shy away from exposing and reporting cases of child abuse on children.

 

Jamila gave the hint during this years Zonal Executive Council Meeting (NEC) and seminar on Violence Against Women And Girls with the Theme “Violence Against Women And Children Let’s Take Action” held at the Press centre, Lafia.

 

The Zonal Vice President challenged NAWOJ to rise up against violence penetrated against women and children which she listed to include raping, assault, domestic violence, discrimination and some cultural belief that tend to dehumanize the female gender.

 

Adding that children have suffered cases of hard labour, domestic violence,child abuse among others,stating that the pepetrators of these acts goes unpunished leaving victims with scares of the act.

 

“As female Journalists ,we must use the power of the pen to open up discourse on how society should collectively protect the rights of women and children”.

 

The State Chairman of NAWOJ, Nasarawa State chapter,Hadiza Umar in her welcome address called on the Association and other sister Associations to join hands with relevant authorities for the fight against child abuse and violence against Women.

 

She further maintained that violence against women is a serious Human Rights violence and Public health problem of global proportions, adding that the declaration of the elimination of violence against Women adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993,defines violence against Women as “Any act of gender-based violence that results in,or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women

 

Hadiza Umar disclosed that Child abuse, sexual violence are among the most destructive experience affecting women and children in so many ways.

 

 

The State Chairman of National Council of Women Society (NCWS) Aisha Isa Idoma condemned the increasing rate of violence against women and children, calling on concerned authorities to do the needful.

 

Idoma appealed to Governor’s in the 36 States including the Federal Capital Territory,Abuja to accord topmost priority to the appointment of many women into key positions.

 

The former President of NCWS,Hajiya Ramatu Dalhatu in her speech blamed the delay in the dispensation of Justice especially on violence against women and children.

 

She also raised eyebrow on the way and manner house helps are treated with disdain.

 

Dalhatu expressed dismay over the proliferation of sophisticated weapons in the hands of youth, describing it as a national tragedy affecting the society.

 

She further expressed displeasure over the increasing number of street urchins in the country, saying that the country is ravage by Al-Majiri system, calling on parents to give their wades the best education.