Sokoto’s Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Hadiza Shagari, has urged residents of the state to join in the fight against gender-based violence and to protect women’s and girls’ human rights.

Ms Shagari made the call when she led a street rally as part of 16 Days of Activism against GBV organised by the ministry in collaboration with NGOs, civil society organisations, students and community groups.

“This is the final day of the global campaign of 16 Days of Activism against GBV this year. Let us unite and stand firm against all forms of abuses and violations and protect vulnerable persons.

“Let us protect the dignity, safety and well-being of every woman and girl in all their diversities,” she said.

She stressed that human rights exist to protect everyone from harm and to ensure dignity and inclusion.

The commissioner said peaceful coexistence and prosperity depended on fulfilling human rights obligations.

She said achievements were recorded on the successful enactment of Child Protection, Violation Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) and Rights of Persons with Disabilities law in the state.

Also speaking, a director in the ministry, Hauwa Umar-Jabo, said sensitisation was part of the ministry’s active commitment to educating citizens by engaging female students and community groups.

Ms Umar-Jabo explained that by bringing diverse stakeholders together, the ministry sought to reaffirm its commitment to promote equality, justice, and the protection of human rights for all citizens.

She commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other donor agencies for their support in the state and urged participants to sustain the awareness beyond 16 days of activism.

(NAN)