Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, wife of Kebbi State Governor, has urged female pupils in the state’s Girls’ Schools to defend themselves against Gender Based Violence (GBV) in their own homes and society at large.
She made the remarks while speaking to female students from six Girls Secondary Schools gathered at Dr Aminat College in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, on Sunday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the exercise is part of the “16 days of activism against GBV” for girls organized by the Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government.
The governor’s wife encouraged the girls to continue their education at a higher level, assuring them that with proper education, they would be able to fill many vacancies in the state civil service for women.
The governor’s wife, who was represented by former Executive Secretary, Schools Management Board, Hajiya Asmau Alkali, advised the females to speak up about oppressors of sexual abuse, rape, and harassment, emphasizing that the government and female lawyers would be there to help them fight their case.
In response to a series of questions from female students about rape and abuse, the governor’s wife stated, “I am so happy that the girls are now ready to defend themselves.” You have the ability to defend yourself because you have the opportunity to do so. If you do not attend school, you may miss out on this opportunity.”
She assured that the government is always ready to take the education sector to new heights of development.
“So, I hope you will continue to read your books thoroughly, respect your teachers, and ensure that you advance to the next level.”
“By next level, I mean that we expect you to continue your education at a higher level.” We have a lot of vacancies where we need a lot of lawyers, a lot of nurses, a lot of doctors, and a lot of teachers, particularly female teachers.
“You may select any field.” You’re going to need a lot of you because women aren’t participating. It is disheartening that the majority of you may not continue your education after secondary school, that some may not pass their exams, that some of their families cannot afford to sponsor them, and that a few of your husbands will not allow you to continue your education.
“So, I am urging you to support yourself and your country by furthering your education and becoming educated,” she advised.
She urged the girls not to remain silent about rape, sexual abuse, and harassment, while praising the Kebbi State House of Assembly for passing the GBV and Child Rights Act, which is now awaiting the state governor’s signature.
The governor’s wife assured that she was collaborating with female lawyers and other relevant agencies on law-supporting GBV prosecution, emphasizing that they have no problem convicting any rapist in a court of law.
Mr Adeyemi Asaba, the WARIF Programme Manager, stated in his remarks, “Talking about sustainability and addressing the questions the girls asked, we have our staff here in Kebbi State addressing issues such as rape and harassment, among others.”
“Anything to do with medicine, we refer to the appropriate quarters.” “We’ve been able to address some of these issues, both psychological and sociological,” he said.
Mrs Kudirat Shuiab, Vice-Chairperson of the Kebbi State Technical Working Committee on GBV, had earlier told the female students that no rapists would escape justice again ‘because the law has changed their conviction from 14 years imprisonment to life imprisonment.’
“A rape case can also be reported without identifying the victims, with the exception of the series number, which must be used to prosecute the case to its logical conclusion,” she added.