By Ismail Umar, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has review a new developed State Prevention Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as a significant step toward addressing the pervasive issue of the menace in the state.
The State Commissioner Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Hajiya Hadiza Shagari, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ review meeting on GBV prevention organised by the ministry and UN Women with funding from FORD Foundation in Sokoto State.
Shagari said the action plan was developed in June this year and due to review and validate in December 2025 towards taking significant steps in addressing Gender Based Violence in the State
She said the review was centered on national and international frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), the National Gender Policy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
”The review and Validation of the action plan aims to provide a comprehensive and coordinated response to GBV, promote prevention strategies, and ensure access to justice and support services for survivors.
”This initiative was spearheaded through a multi-sectoral and participatory process involving key stakeholders from government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, and development partners.
”Through a series of consultative meetings, workshops, and technical sessions, the stakeholders identified prevailing GBV trends, existing gaps, and priority areas for intervention, ” She said.
According to her, the GBV Prevention State Action Plan is structured around five key pillars: prevention, protection, response, coordination, and monitoring and evaluation.
She highlighted specific objectives and actionable strategies, including awareness creation, community engagement, legal reform and enforcement, capacity building for service providers, establishing referral systems, and survivor-centered care
”A clear implementation framework has been developed, highlighting roles, timelines, and resource requirements.
”By adopting this action plan, Sokoto State demonstrates its commitment to eliminating gender-based violence, safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations, and promoting a safer, more equitable society.
”The plan serves as a guiding framework for action and a catalyst for sustained investment and collaboration among stakeholders to end GBV in all forms,” She added.
The Commissioner represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, commended the role of UN Women in addressing GBV, but call for more effort to bring the menace to the nearest minimum.
He urged stakeholders to contribute meaningful inputs for effective review of the State GBV prevention Action plan for successful implementation towards addressing the menace.
Abubakar Alhaji reiterated the ministry of women and children affairs commitment to partner all relevant stakeholders in addressing GBV across the state.
“Effective collaboration between stakeholders will help in rehabilitation of victims on GBV, prevention and response, and capacity building for religious and traditional leaders on the concept of gender,” he noted.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by Waziri of Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, commended the Ministry and UN Women for their unwavering support to end Gender Based Violence against Women and Girls in the State
He assured the Sultanate council and traditional leaders support towards ensuring smooth implementation of the documents in the state.
He said the state always record GBV cases, but the document would go a long way in reducing the cases to the minimal level.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Director women of the ministry, Hajiya Hauwa Umar Jabo, thanked the stakeholders for honouring their invitation.
She said the meeting was aimed at reviewing and validating the State GBV Prevention action plan in order to form a resounding document for GBV prevention in Sokoto State.
Hajiya Hauwa Umar Jabo commended the efforts of all relevant stakeholders towards addressing GBV, but urged them to redouble commitment to bring the menace to the minimal level.
The Director expressed her appreciation to the Commissioner, Hajiya Hadiza Shagari, permanent secretary for their unwavering support and commitment in ensuring GBV issue is addressed in the state.
She further urged religious and traditional leaders to continue to enlighten communities on the dangers of GBV for sustainable progress among women and children.
In their separates goodwill messages, Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and partners all pledged to continue to support the ministry towards validating the action plan and ensure GBV cases reduce to the minimum level.