The Federal government has inaugurated Kano state Steering Committee against sexual assault and gender-based violence.
Inaugurating the committee in Kano, the Technical Assistant to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Hajiya Hadiza Aminu Dorayi, said 15-member committee was set up to help the in dealing with cases of sexual assaults and gender-based violence against children and women.
Hajiya Hadiza said two states each were selected from the six geopolitical zones for the programme, saying that Kano and Kaduna states were chosen in the northwest zone.
“I have inaugurated the steering committee and met with its members in Kano and very soon, I will meet with members of the wider committee which has 30 members. Our aim is to reduce the rate of assault and violence against children and women in the country.”
She explained that members of the steering committee were selected from ministries of justice, health, women affairs, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Kano State Hisbah Board, Human Right Commission, Legal Aid Council and some nongovernmental organisations.
She said the office of the Vice President was determined to support states’ governments in addressing issues related to child and women assaults.
Hajiya Hadiza said Kano and Kàduna was chosen because of its population and the concern its people shown on assault against children and women.
She said, “We were attracted to Kano state by the case of Baby Khadija and the peaceful protest against assault on children and women which was some women groups organised in the state sometimes last year.
“If the citizens can organise themselves and stage a peaceful protest against assault on children and women, I see no reason why we should not support them. We are working with some donor agencies and we will make the programme to be sustainable,” She said.