UNICEF, Zamfara State Gov’t Commission’s sexual Assault Referral Center

From Babangida Abdullahi, Gusau

The Zamfara State first lady, Hajiya Hurriya Dauda Lawal said, the Sexual Assault and Referral Centre represents a firm response to a problem that affects families across communities as women and girls often bear the greatest burden of sexual and gender-based violence.

Hajiya Hurriya stated this at the commissioning ceremony of the new edifice building as Sexual Assault Referral Centre at the King Fahad ibn AbdulAzeez women and Children Hospital, Samaru, Gusau.

The first lady applauded the contributions of UNICEF and assured to strengthen more collaboration in the fight against GBV in the state.

“We must acknowledge a truth that is frequently ignored, men and boys are also victims of abuse. They, too deserve protection, justice and a safe space to seek help without shame or fear. This centre will serve all survivors. The first lady said.

She further called on the survivors to provide themselves for timely medical attention, counselling and legal guidance which according to her would be the beginning of their healing.

“We will ensure that no woman, man, girl or boy is left unheard or unsupported, as a state, we must continue strengthening our institutions, enforcing accountability, and promoting awareness so that prevention becomes just as strong as our response. Hurriya said.

The first lady enjoyed all stakeholders, government agencies, traditional and community leaders, civil society organisations and families to work together with sincerity and courage in combating sexual and gender-based violence which requires unity, vigilance and the willingness to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves as every person in Zamfara deserves safety, justice and the freedom to live without fear.

The Managing Director of the Women and Children King Fahad ibn AbdulAzeez Hospital, Samaru Gusau, Dr. Amina said, previously they were attending to the survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in an unsatisfiable condition.

“Before now we were stranded and attending GBV cases from Home after our office was demolished by the previous administration. Dr. Amina said.

The Managing Director of the Women and Children Hospital also vowed to redouble their services with the provision of the required facilities by the state government under the office of the first lady Hajiya Hurriya Dauda Lawal in collaboration with UNICEF.

“We attended 727 survivors of GBV without office and the required facilities, what do you think about this development? We will redouble our efforts as we enjoy the support of the first lady and the State Government. Dr. Amina said.

Speaking earlier, the country representative UNICEF Nigeria Mrs. Waffaa Seed recognized the commitment of the first lady, Hajiya Hurriya Dauda Lawal and said, the commissioning of the centre demonstrates the commitment of Governor Lawal’s administration to enhance its response against Gender-Based Violence and support to survivors.

“We acknowledged the commitment of the first lady Hajiya Hurriya and the State Government, therefore we named the Sexual Assault Referral Center after her as a morale booster to her commitment and support to the victims of GBV. Waffaa seed stated.

The Deputy Governor Malan Mani Mummuni led and commissioned the Centre which is expected to provide medical, psycho-social, legal and livelihoods support to the survivors of sexual assault.

In their separate good will messages, Civil Society Organizations, Musa Aboki, Humans Rights, Abdullahi Haruna and one of the advocates for the establishment of the center, Yusuf Sabo Tsafe reiterated their readiness towards providing the required services available at their disposal.

They also called on the state government to build two more centers across each of the senatorial districts of the state for easy access.