The Sokoto State government has pledged active collaboration with community-based organisations, UN Women, and other donor agencies to support the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Hauwa’u Umar-Jabo, the director of women at the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, gave the assurance during a GBV awareness programme on Monday in the Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Ms Umar-Jabo highlighted that the ministry had organised a series of activities to raise awareness about GBV and also commemorated International Widows Day to engage local communities on related issues.

She noted that discussions during the events addressed the rights, challenges, and social stigma faced by widows, while also advocating for their empowerment, inclusion, and overall well-being.

According to her, the gatherings served as platforms for widows from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences, amplify their voices, and call for social justice and equitable opportunities.

Ms Umar-Jabo emphasised the importance of implementing gender-sensitive policies, eliminating harmful traditional practices, and promoting sustainable economic empowerment for widows through skills development and improved access to resources.

She noted that the 2025 theme for International Widows Day, “Empowering Widows, Building Resilience, and Restoring Dignity,” aimed to advocate for the adoption and implementation of gender-sensitive laws and policies that protected widows’ rights.

In his remarks, Abubakar Alhaji, the ministry’s permanent secretary, urged community groups, NGOs, and institutions to champion economic empowerment by facilitating access to skills training, financial resources, and livelihood opportunities.

He also called for strengthened solidarity among widows and their communities to enhance resilience and mutual support.

A’isha Muhammad, a gender specialist and resource person at the programme, stressed the need for renewed policy reforms to protect the rights of widows and their children.

She emphasised equitable access to opportunities and resources as a critical step toward meaningful change.

Ms Muhammad further called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to sustain progress, raise awareness, secure commitments, and ensure that advocacy translates into tangible improvements in the lives of widows.

(NAN)