District Head of Shira, BERI Advocate Safer Cyber Space for Women, Girls

The traditional leader of Shira, in Bauchi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Farouq has declared support for advocacy against cyber threats, attacks and gender based violence in his territory to foster peace and enabling space for both genders.

The traditional leader, represented by Waziri, Alh. Mohammed Adamu Abbas, said this on Friday in Shira when the Better Life Restoration Initiative (BERI) took the sensitisation on breaking the barrier and stigmatisation in accessing health care services as part of this year’s 16 Days Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

Between 25 November to December 10 of every year, 16 Days Activism is carried out to create awareness on gender related violence.

The monarch, while addressing a mammoth crowd, including women and youths who thronged his Palace on Friday, said that the Shira District would ensure that the residents tolerate and respect the rights of every gender. “We will make sure that parents prioritise education of both girls and boys. We will enlighten them to make use of the cyber space in ways that foster peace and development.”

Also speaking, the Project Manager of BERI, Nkem Ogbonna said that the organisation through its Gender Equality Fund being supported by The Global Fund focuses on breaking barriers to health care access. He added that, this year’s theme of activism; “UNiTE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls” with focus on “Protecting Young Girls From Digital and Physical Violence”.

Ogbonna said that opinion leaders such as the District Head of Shira have the capacity and influence to change the narrative and end violence against vulnerable population.

According to him, BERI has been working in rural and urban communities to end stigmatisation and barriers surrounding health care.

Also speaking, Deborah Ajibola Sunday of BERI urged women to utilise digital space to advance their economic growth and desist from bullying one another. She charged the traditional leader to encourage girl child education as well as boy child education.

“We urge your royal Highness to continue your efforts in sensitisation of our men on gender related matters in your domain.”