From Adam Muhammad, Gusau
A Zamfara-based Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI) has four communities in Zamfara community-based initiatives to address harmful cultural norms and practices that promotes Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The sensitisation tookplace in Tsafe, Bilbis, Birnin Magaji and Nasarawa Godel communities under Birnin Magaji and Tsafe local government areas of the state.
It was conducted by the NGO Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI) in collaboration with Ukaid funded organisation “International Alert” under a project Promoting Stability, Access to Justice and Accountability.
Speaking at Bilbis and Tsafe communities, the Executive Director of the VAI, Musa Umar urged the participants to change harmful cultural norms and practices with a view of reducing SGBV in the society.
Umar added that the tittle of the sensitization is “Develop and Support Implementation of Community-Based Initiatives to address Harmful Cultural Norms and Practices that Promotes SGBV”.
Umar who appreciate turnout of the participants urged them to extend the message to their respective homes and localities.
One of the participants, Malam Hamisu Bilbis described the sensitization as a welcome development.
“We appreciate this sensitization, we believe this will increase our awareness as well as protect our children and women against GBV.
The Project Officer VAI, Mr Buhari Yau Moriki who led the sensitisation team for Birnin Magaji and Nasarawa Godel communities said it was aimed to raised peoples awareness on how to change their cultural norms practices that cause SGBV.
Moriki noted there are several cultural and traditional practices in the rural communities that contribute to violence against women.
The participants of the sensitization meeting promised to collaborate and work as a team to sensitize other community members on dangers associated with harmful cultural norms and practices in promoting SGBV.
