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By Laraba Usman
To Mark 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) Celebration, A Non Governmental organization NGO, named Search for Common Grounds, Bauchi State office had advocated for programmes to promote Freedom of Religion and Belief, end violence against women and support similar actions in accordance with the Nigerian Youth (Collective Action for Religious Engagement) CARE Project.
Mrs Fatima Danlami, project officer, Nigerian Youth CARE while engaging with officials of the Bauchi State ministries for Women Affairs and Child Development and Religious Affairs in the state.
The IWD was celebrated with a walk organised for Women for Freedom of Religion and/or Belief (FoRB) by Search for Common grounds and its implementating partner Young Leaders Network.
Danlami said that the FoRB would provide enabling environment for socio-economic development among women and youth.
Other advocacy key messages included; women’s inclusion in digital technologies, digital peacebuilding and digital economy, and social and economic justice, among others.
She applauded women and girls for achievements recorded towards breaking barriers, dismantling stereotypes, and driving progress towards a more just and equitable world.
She said that despite the immense efforts and progress achieved, many women and girls around the world constantly faced marginalization, injustice, and discrimination.
Meanwhile, the program manager, Search for Common Ground, Mr Meshach Bwala noted that the persistent epidemic of violence against women and the girl child, denial of their rights and freedom to religion and belief, disgraces humanity.
“Invest in programmes to promote Freedom of Religion and Belief, end violence against women and support similar actions like the Nigerian Youth CARE Project.
“Women’s Inclusion in digital technologies, digital peacebuilding and digital economy to promote social and economic justice.
Drive women’s inclusion and leadership in economic and social space.
“The Women and Youth Walk for Freedom of Religion and/or Belief (FoRB) in Commemoration of International Women’s Day was conducted with a walk and advocacy to Ministries of Women Affairs and Religious Affairs,” he said.
Receiving the group, Mr Saleh Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Social Welfare and Child Development restated the commitment of the ministry in providing support for the project in the state.
However his counterpart, Mr Bala Manu Gadau, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs said that the ministry remained committed to the course of Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) in Bauchi State, as this is one of the core mandates of the Ministry.
The duo officials applauded the organization for the giant stride to complement government’s efforts in donating building and ensuring development.