Trending 
The Sokoto State government has unveiled a comprehensive Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), marking a significant step towards tackling the pervasive issue.
The plan is designed to ensure a coordinated response to GBV, promote prevention strategies, and guarantee access to justice and support services for survivors.
Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, disclosed the development at a recent stakeholders’ meeting on GBV prevention in Sokoto.
He explained that the plan was formulated during a roundtable session held with partners in June of this year, drawing upon both national and international frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), the National Gender Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The initiative was developed through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach, engaging government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, and development partners.
Stakeholders conducted a series of consultative meetings, workshops, and technical sessions to identify prevailing GBV trends, existing gaps, and priority areas for intervention.
The GBV Action Plan is structured around five core pillars: prevention, protection, response, coordination, and monitoring and evaluation.
Specific objectives and strategies include raising awareness, engaging communities, reforming and enforcing laws, building capacity for service providers, establishing referral systems, and delivering survivor-centred care.
A clear implementation framework has been developed, detailing roles, timelines, and resource requirements. By adopting this plan, Sokoto State demonstrates its commitment to eradicating gender-based violence, protecting vulnerable populations, and fostering a safer, more equitable society.
The framework also aims to catalyse sustained investment and collaboration among stakeholders.
Additional recommendations from the programme include enhancing sensitisation efforts at the ward level, embedding anti-violence messages in religious activities, rehabilitating perpetrators, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and training religious and traditional leaders on gender concepts.
Alhaji emphasised that the action plan positions Sokoto State as a proactive leader in addressing GBV, reinforcing the rights of women and children, and promoting long-term social change.
