Gender Violence: UNFPA provides shelter for Gombe victims

By Hajara Leman

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has handed over a renovated edifice to serve as shelter for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Gombe State.

Dr Awoke Tasew-Tebeje, Head of UNFPA Kaduna sub-office, said the building was renovated by UNFPA and handed over to the state to serve as a shelter for women and girls who are survivors of GBV.

He said the place would be a safe heaven for victims and legal services would be provided to ensure that perpetrators face the wrath of the law as well as other services like healthcare, among others.

He urged the state government to spread the centre across the 11 local government areas to solve the needs of victims within their immediate environment, saying “it is important for such service to be at the communities’ door steps”.

According to him, UNFPA works in three key areas of prevention, protection and provision.

The wife of the state governor, Hajiya Asma’u Yahaya, commended UNFPA for providing the shelter for survivors of GBV.

Mrs Yahaya, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Naomi Awak, described GBV as a human right violation, especially for women and girls who were predominantly the victims, and it remained a big concern.

She said GBV limit access to opportunities and resources, thereby preventing the victims from realising their dreams and full potentials.

“Many women and girls are at the mercy of their abusers, which has grave consequences for their health and wellbeing.

“It is therefore significant to have a place where women and girls can go to at any time to feel safer and empowered and have access to information, education, recreational activities, support and services,” she said.

Earlier, Ms Asabe Malami, Overseeing Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, assured that the shelter would be used for the reasons it was established.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was the inauguration of the shelter.

(NAN)