International Women’s Day: BVPRI, ED backs Northwest GBV Champion’s Award

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

As the world celebrates women globally, an NGO, NEEM Foundation, supported by FORD foundation, recently identified and honoured some women who are exceptional in the fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV), in the Northwest part of Nigeria.

Barr. Jennifer Agbaji, Executive Director of Basileia Vulnerable Person’s Rights Initiative (BVPRI), was one of the GBV Champions so honoured by the NGO during a stakeholders review meeting in Abuja.

Barr. Agbaji, a Rise Up Fellow, who was surprised to be recognized as “Northwest GBV Champion”, noted that the Award is a call to do much more and a sign that every GBV advocates need to work smarter, together to bring zero tolerance to GBV.

“I’m grateful that our efforts are recognized actually the whole world is watching even if we are not aware. This is an encouragement and I dedicate this to all my team members working so had to end GBV.” She said.

In her remarks at the award ceremony, Executive Director, NEEM foundation, Dr. Fatima Akilu, noted that eliminating violence against women and girls is an issue that requires concerted effort and urgent action.

“If we allow violence against women to persist, CSOs, Government and International stakeholders’ accomplishments for gender equality and women’s empowerment will be negated. Ending violence against women is not about demanding exceptional treatment, it is simply about letting women live in dignity.

“We are here today to recognize that enhanced coordination and strategic partnership can bridge the difference between despair and hope in a person who has experienced violence due to their sex or gender.

“Today’s engagement is an opportunity to share evidence from the ground and to demonstrate that when government adequate financial and political commitments, it is possible to see progress in eliminating violence against women.

“We hope to see new and improved laws and plans that provide for protection and provision of services that include free hotline services, police and justice responses, shelters and legal defense”.