The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through its State2State program, hosted a one-day stakeholder engagement at the Kebbi State College of Nursing, Birnin Kebbi, to address gender-based violence (GBV). The event focused on assessing responses, actions, and solutions to combat GBV, which affects women, girls, and even boys across the state.
USAID’s Gender and Social Inclusion expert, Ejiro Okotie, emphasized the importance of practical solutions during the event. She highlighted the agency’s ongoing awareness campaign through the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” and called for inclusive efforts that address the needs of people with disabilities and marginalized groups.
In her remarks, Kebbi State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajia Halima Hassan Kamba, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to eradicating GBV. She detailed proactive measures such as establishing special courts to prosecute offenders and rehabilitating victims to reduce societal stigma.
“The fight against gender-based violence is total in Kebbi State,” Kamba stated. “We are working to ensure inclusiveness and swift action in reported cases. The support provided by USAID and State2State has been instrumental in strengthening our resolve to protect all individuals, including boys, from sexual and moral violence.”
The engagement emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between government agencies, international partners, and local communities to end GBV and provide holistic support for survivors. USAID’s involvement reflects its commitment to fostering safer and more inclusive societies.
