The Minister of Women Affairs and Kano state Commissioner for Women Affairs during the event.

*As Minister gets rousing welcome from APC, NNPP women leaders in Kano

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The  Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Ibrahim Sulaiman, at the weekend, reassured surviving victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kano state of the Federal Government’s firm commitment to support and ensure their welfare at all times.

A Statement by Bintu Nuhu Yakasai, Director of Public Enlightenment, Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, indicated that the Minister pledged solidarity with the state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano.

The Minister’s visit also brought together the women leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Parry (NNPP), who buried their political differences and gave the Minister a rousing welcome in a show of unity.

According to the Minister, the decision to help victims of gender-based violence is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to combat GBV and promote the well-being of women and girls across Nigeria.

Hajiya  Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged GBV victims to refrain from self-blame and isolation, emphasizing that they are not responsible for the violence inflicted upon them. Instead, she encouraged them to focus on rebuilding their lives and striving for a brighter future.

The Minister’s message of hope and resilience aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of creating a society where women and girls can thrive, free from violence and discrimination.

She further stated that as part of this vision, the government has established various initiatives, including the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), to provide support services as the country joins the global community in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Gender-Based Violence.

The Minister spoke during an empowerment program for Gender-Based Violence survivors, a collaborative effort between the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, held at the Muhammad Buhari Specialist Hospital in Giginyu, Kano.

This event coincided with Nigeria joining the global community in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Speaking during a briefing with the Minister, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano, the Kano State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, shed light on the challenges faced by Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors in the state.

She highlighted the various initiatives undertaken by the state government to address these issues.

According to her, “the state government has been working tirelessly to provide support services to GBV survivors, including counselling, medical care, and legal assistance.”

She emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach in combating GBV, involving stakeholders from various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders.

The Commissioner also stressed the need for increased awareness and sensitization about GBV, particularly in rural areas where access to information and services is limited.

She appealed to the Minister for continued support and collaboration in addressing the plight of GBV survivors in Kano State.

Bintu, in her Statement, added that: “The Minister’s visit culminated in a thoughtful gesture of support for the survivors of gender-based violence. The Minister donated essential items and cash to the survivors, demonstrating the government’s commitment to their well-being and empowerment.

“This act of kindness and generosity serves as a beacon of hope for the survivors, reminding them that they are not alone and that their government cares about their plight.”

Our Correspondent reports that in a heartwarming display of politics without bitterness, women from the NNPP and APC parties came together to welcome the  Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Imaan Ibrahim Sulaiman to Kano.

Leading the charge was Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and Disabled, who spearheaded the NNPP contingent alongside staff from her ministry.

Meanwhile, Fatima Dala, a prominent woman leader of the APC, led her party members in a show of solidarity and support.

This remarkable meeting of minds between two opposition parties showcased a refreshing side of politics, one that prioritizes unity and cooperation against division and rancour.