Taraba State Intensifies Grassroots Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence
The Taraba State Aids Control Agency (TACA) has issued a strong call for citizens to deepen public awareness and adopt proactive measures to combat the escalating challenge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across the state. This urgent appeal was made during the quarterly meeting of the Gender and Human Rights (GHR) and State Response Team (SRT) held in Jalingo, where stakeholders from various sectors gathered to address critical issues related to GBV and child rights.
Moving Beyond Passive Awareness
Speaking at the event, Charity Yakubu, the Gender and Human Rights Focal Person of TACA, emphasized the need for the public to move beyond passive awareness. She urged citizens not only to "see something and say something" but also to take decisive action when confronted with cases of abuse or rights violations. Yakubu highlighted that the GHR/SRT platform serves as a quarterly forum to deliberate on GBV cases, with a particular focus on persons living with HIV/AIDS and other vulnerable populations.
She stressed that tackling this menace requires a collective effort involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, and individuals. "At every level, people must take responsibility by educating and informing others about human rights and the dangers of GBV," she stated. Yakubu further explained that TACA cannot address the issue in isolation and called for enhanced collaboration across ministries and partner agencies.
GBV as a Societal Threat
Also addressing the meeting, the Director General of TACA, Dr. Bako Ali Istifanus, described GBV as a serious societal threat affecting both young and old in Taraba State and the country at large. Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Bala Zungeri, he urged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and develop practical recommendations to curb the problem. Stakeholders identified poverty, loneliness, and unemployment as major factors contributing to GBV, noting that economic hardship often exposes women to exploitation and abuse.
Call for Economic Empowerment
To address these underlying issues, stakeholders called on organizations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria, Muslim groups, philanthropists, and civil society organizations to support sustainable financial empowerment initiatives for women. They emphasized that economic stability is crucial in reducing vulnerability to GBV and fostering a safer environment for all residents of Taraba State.
