By Ahmed AHMED
An NGO, Advocacy For Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) has trained 30 women and girls with disabilities, self self-help leaders in response to sexual gender-based violence (SGBV), and human and legal rights in Bauchi State.
Mr Kolawale Jayeoba, Project Manager of the NGO while speaking at the opening ceremony of one one-daying on Saturday in Bauchi, said the training would focus much on their approach to SGBV.
He said the training was supported by ActiActionAidada to build the capacity of participants to be more efficient in their approach to gender-based violence cases and abuse.
“As well as training on human rights and legal rights of women and girls with disabilities in sexual and gender.
“To also address the unequal gender power relations and the socio-cultural, religious, economic and political root causes of sexual and SGBV which negatively affect women and girls with disabilities,” Jayeoba said.
He explained that the training covered gender response, advocacy for the rights of women and girls with disabilities, the inclusion in all National policies, programs and activities.
Jayeoba advice women and girls with disabilities, to align with their families, local and development partners including the government,
“FBOs, CBOs, Alliance partners, women’s groups, groups other NGOs and networks.
“As well as form alliances with international organizations to carry out activities that lead to the advancement of women and girls with disabilities and other marginalized groups,” he stressed
The Project Manager urged the participants to always sensitise and enlighten members on human and legal rights and dance the rs of abused
“To also speak out or voice out where necessary and report to relevant authorities if any abuse or violation of your rights and create awareness on (SGBV) in our communities,” he said.
On her part, Hajiya Asumau Yahya, Zonal Coordinator, AWWDI in the North East said the capacity building of Women and girls with disabilities in Bauchi was apt.
“We are trained on disability inclusion in SGBV prevention, response and community development as well as available services and opportunities for persons with disabilities among others.
Yahaya urged the participants to be proactive with cases of gender-based violence cases open up and report them to relevant authorities.
Yahaya said the knowledge gained would help the participants respond, voice out and report SGBV cases effectively.