The United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, has called for zero tolerance for gender-based violence in schools and communities, warning that abuse stalls development and violates the right of every young person to live free from harm.
UNFPA made the call on Wednesday in Bauchi during a sensitisation programme on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, Law at the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, ATAP.
Speaking at the event, the Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst and Coordinator, UNFPA, Bauchi, Mrs
Deborah Tabara, said placing young people at the centre of development means protecting them from violence first.
“We are the reproductive health arm of the United Nations. Our mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every child is safe, and every young person achieves their potential,” Tabara said.
The Analyst described GBV as a development issue, not just a social one, saying, “Whether you are a girl or a boy, a woman or a man, gender-based violence has devastating effects in public or private spaces.
“It impedes development because when a person is associated with it, there is no advancement.”
“Tolerance for gender-based violence must be zero, Tabara stressed.
“Everyone has a responsibility to ensure it does not occur between students and lecturers, or both. One rape plus silence equals multiple rapes. When there is no deterrent, the perpetrator continues. But when we speak up, GBV can be addressed.”
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of Bauchi State, the Director of Public Prosecution, Garba Dabo Maleka, urged students to reject sexual exploitation for grades and to use available reporting channels.
“You are future leaders, engineers and scientists. We want you to be safe and prepared. Do not select sex as a way of getting marks or allocation,” Maleka said.
He listed the DPP’s office, the Permanent Secretary, the police and campus counsellors as points of contact, and advised rape victims to seek immediate medical attention.
The management of ATAP pledged full alignment with the state’s policy to eradicate GBV.
Speaking on behalf of the Rector, Dr Hashim Sabo Bello, the Director of Ethics and Compliance, Dr Alhaji Abdulkadir Waziri, said the polytechnic already has a gender and sexual harassment committee and is taking disciplinary and legal action against offenders.
“The theme is timely and aligned with our core values of dignity, integrity and respect for human dignity,” he said.
Gender Desk Officer at the Ministry of Justice, Maimuna Ibrahim Yusuf, called on all tertiary institutions in Bauchi to establish functional gender desks and grievance committees.
“The objective is to educate students and staff on what constitutes GBV, its legal implications, and to strengthen reporting channels,” she said.
UN agency seeks zero tolerance for gender-based violence in schools, communities