By Joy Gadani
The Rise Up project implementation team of the Africa Media Development Foundation has concluded its Advocacy Exit visits to all the 12 village heads and the two District Heads in Kaduna North and Kajuru Local Govt Areas on project, Preventing Gender Based Violence.
The One year project is scheduled to end in August 2022.
The Rise Up Fellow and Project Manager, Mr Benjamin Maigari who led the team, thanked all the village heads for their support and commitment during the implementation of the project appreciatively reminding them that the one year project would round up in August 2022.
He observed that much has been achieved in the various Communities as a result of the awareness created on the VAPP law and the abolishment of certain harmful cultural practices.
Maigari further informed them of the commitments made by the State and Local Governments to institutionalize the activities of the Community Based Action Volunteers in the Gender and Social Inclusion Policy which is being harmonized.
The Rise Up Fellow also informed the village heads of the documents approved by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Human Services and Social Development on scaling up the work and functions of COMBAV to all the 23 LGAs in the State.
In their separate response, the District Head of Kufana, Chief Titus Dauda, Kajuru Alh. Sirajo and Doka Alh Bala Tijanni Mohammed couldn’t hide their Joy as they all spoke in appreciation of the Rise Up project and the donors.
“Of a truth there are behavioural changes in our communities as women and girls are now regarded, respected and being part of decision making process”
The community leaders promised to sustained the awareness campaign in promoting gender equity and equality.
The 12 village heads visited also applauded the state and local governments, their District Heads, Rise Up, Cummins and Africa Media Development Foundation for implementing the project in their domains.
They all assured the team of their continued monitoring and support to the COMBAV team after the expiration of the project.
They equally promised to implement the decision abolishing harmful traditional practices, especially those that violate the rights to women and girls, promote gender equity, equality and prevent gender based violence