IFWYD 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

 

The Global 16 Days Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence was launched in 1991 to raise awareness about violence against women (VAW) and mobilize advocacy for the formal recognition that violence against women is a human rights violation. This 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence is observed every year globally from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until December 10 (Human Rights Day).

Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFWYD) and more than 6,000 organizations in across 187 countries, according to the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership, have participated in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign towards achieving the global goal of ending gender-based violence.

Between 2020 and 2022, Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFWYD) has raised awareness, supported advocacy, inspired action, and provided response services to 166,359 women, girls, and vulnerable persons on gender-based violence in its various forms - sexual harassment, child marriage, female genital mutilation, intimate partner violence and rape, among other atrocities in Bauchi State with support from the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA).

IFWYD in concordance with the  Sustainable Development Goals empower women, youth and vulnerable group in the community through education, capacity building, human rights awareness, sexual and reproductive health education and enlightenment campaigns against harmful practices/risky behavior towards bringing an end to gender-based violence and harmful practices by 2030.

In support of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence theme to “End Violence Against Women and Girls”, Ikra Foundation calls on Friends, Allies, Women, Youths, Families, communities and everyone to unite and take action that increase awareness and promote advocacy to end all forms of Violence Against Women and Girls.

What can You Do!

ü  Join IFWYD #UNiTE4Women Video Contest

•  Volunteer

•  Be a Social Media Advocate by

•  Following and sharing IFWYD advocacy  activities on GBV on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram

• Orange your Social media pages and posts/profiles and pictures

• Researching and sharing your Knowledge on ways we can work together to end Female Genital Mutilation, Early Forced Marriage, Domestic Violence, Economic Violence, Sexual Violence and Harassments, and other forms of GBV. 

• Organize a walk, Lecture, Film show etc. to create awareness on GBV. 

• Make a Donation – Text Books (Used/New), writing materials, Schoolbags or a Cash donation (for uniforms, shoes & PTA dues) to keep our girls in school.

Prioritizing Goals Helps Bring the Balance - FEMALE UNIVERSITY LECTURER IN BAUCHI STATE

#BREAKINGTHEBIAS with Hajia Aishatu Usman Bakari, we celebrate a mother, wife, daughter, sister and University Lecturer in Bauchi State, who in contributing her quota to social and sustainable development.

In a chat with her, she shared insights on her work-life balance and gave a couple of advice below.

IFYWD:

Happy Mother's Day ma·am and thank you for granting us  this interview as we conclude our Women's Month celebration series. Please give us a brief background about you. 

HAJIA AISHATU:

My name is Aishatu Usman Bakari. I am a University Lecturer at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State. I also do poultry farming, small ruminant management & agricultural consulting.

IFWYD:

As a lecturer, doctoral student and mother, please tell us about your professional journey, the challenges encountered and how you overcome these challenges?

HAJIA AISHATU:

The initial challenges faced were mostly when my kids were still very young; these included shuffling between taking care of a baby and school runs, having a chore or two to take care of, and at the same time undertaking my second and third degrees, and working as a lecturer in an institution. With time, the children grew, and the challenges lessened or rather, changed.

"I worked through these challenges by employing a nanny to take care of the "house" while I was away. Sometimes the nanny had to be taken along to work or school together with the baby. And my extended family also helped; my mother-in-law helped take care of the baby."

IFWYD:

How easy/hard has it been navigating professional life and family life?

HAJIA AISHATU:

"It was not so easy, but I must say it wasn't very difficult either. Because once you love what you do, you'd enjoy doing it."

I love the kids; I guess this comes naturally, most of the time. I like my work, which is mostly reading and writing. I love doing those too.

The poultry and livestock keeping started after the children had grown up… Some things had to be put on hold for others to flourish.

IFWYD:

What are the things you think would help a woman improve her quality of work at her workplace?

HAJIA AISHATU:

"A basic facility in a woman's working place in my opinion is a creche, a good one. The mother will be very productive knowing her child is comfortable and safe".

IFWYD:

Thank you so much, ma'am. On a final note, what advice would you give to young women who are also looking to break the bias?

HAJIA AISHATU:

"Work well. Note that I said "well" not "hard

If you have a family, the children come first, they are your responsibility. You brought them into this world. It's a matter of time, it will pass.

''Selfcare is of utmost importance''

Try your best, take care of yourself, that's when you'll be able to take care of your responsibility. Taking care of yourself is your first responsibility.

Thank you.

Abridged

#ifwydng #femalelecturerinbauchi #bauchingo #womenbreakingthebias #socialandsustainabledevelopment

If I Can, So Can You - FIRST FEMALE ARCHITECT IN BAUCHI STATE

International Women's Day is a yearly celebration to recognize the social, political and economic achievements of women and reflect on the role of women worldwide , in building a sustainable society.

As we march towards a more inclusive and equitable society, we pause to celebrate the first female Architect in Bauchi State, Hajia Maimunat Omar Hassan, who isml #BreakingtheBias in contributing her quota to social and sustainable development. 

In a chat with her, she shared a couple insights and advice below.

IFYWD: Good day ma'am, thank you for granting us this interview. We would love to hear a brief background of you. 

ARC. MAIMUNAT:

I am Architect Maimunat Omar Hassan, a Director in the Ministry of Works and Transportation, Bauchi, Bauchi State.

I am a product of Saad Zungur Primary School, Federal Government College, Azare and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and various Islamiyya schools, all in Bauchi State.

"I am the First Female Architect in Bauchi State."

I am also member of HiLWA - High Level Women Advocates, which is a group of women of various professions and high positions in Government, recognized by UNICEF, to act as role models to school girls and women, in order to help them achieve their dreams in excelling in their education and various professions in life, so as to become productive and useful to the society.

IFWYD: What are the challenges you face at your place of work, as a woman? And how do overcome these challenges?

ARC. MAIMUNAT:

"As a woman mixed with men (Architect), it's really not easy. The men always want to dominate and take advantage of my feminine gender. I have always been serious and up to the task when it comes to my profession, both in the office and on site too."

I do not give the men a chance to underrate me at all. The men in my office will always want me to stay in the office, that the site is not for ladies, but I always reply to them by asking them to tell me, when I was in the university, was there any course that was waved for me because I was a lady studying Architecture? Or was I pardoned not to write my professional examination to obtain my practice license seal, as I'm a lady? In fact I was in Abuja for my NIA Examination, 8 months pregnant, and I failed the examination. They did not consider me then to let me just pass because of my condition, and I had to go back again with a three months old baby to rewrite the examination, so why would you, in the office, want to show me concern? Whereas, I know it is all about the allowances that they want to share without me.

"I had to be outspoken and refuse to let them bully me when it comes to site issues. I had to stand my ground as the boss in all sites allocated to me."

I have handled various types of projects, ranging from residential buildings, schools, shopping malls, office buildings, police stations, hospitals etc within and outside the state. 

IFWYD: How easy/hard has it been navigating the professional life and family life?

ARC. MAIMUNAT:

As a wife and a mother of four, it's really not easy managing the home and office.

"I am lucky to be married to a loving and caring man who has been my pillar all these years. He understands the nature of my work and its demanding nature, especially when I am handling big projects."

As for my kids, when they were younger, I took them to my lovely mother, who was eager to help all the time. 

One thing I really enjoy doing is role modeling for the younger generation. I mostly visit schools to give career talks under the Guidance and Counselling unit. Letting the girls understand and believe in themselves, by building their self esteem and assertiveness towards future careers.

IFWYD: Lastly ma'am, what is your advice to young women, especially those who are also looking to break the bias?

ARC. MAIMUNAT:

My advice to the young woman out there is to stand up to her abilities with self esteem and courage, and bring out that hidden potential in her in order to succeed in her future. Finally, she must respect herself and respect others.

We appreciate Hajia Maimunat Omar Hassan for obliging us and granting this interview. 

Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFWYD) celebrate Hajia Maimunat as our 2022 International Women's Day indomitable leader, who is #BreakingtheBias towards a #genderequal sustainable tomorrow

Say Yes To The Girl Child Education

Photo Credit - Mr. Imaralu, Stephen Augustin, serving Corp member in Bauchi (Batch Code Number BA/19C/1153)

WE CELEBRATE THE GIRL CHILD

The softness, the care, the smile, the free spirit of a girl child touches hearts. God has made the female gender  a force to reckon with on earth.

Her driving force, her ability to do more, her fighting spirit cannot be underestimated. 

It beats me, why this gifted human should be limited because she is female. Just cook and clean and you will make a good wife and mother. How about a good doctor, a brilliant lawyer, a creative engineer, a fantastic writer. 

Women around the world are movers and shakers. 

 Why chain your baby girl?

Learning is no sin. The quest to know more is no abomination.  

The Chibok girls were stopped from this knowledge.  Leah Shaibu is still being looked for. 

Why are we hurting ourselves?

The "she-being" has fought the killing of twins, she has stopped the production and selling of fake drugs, she has stopped a virus from spreading round the country. She gave her life instead. Such bravery! 

Being a warrior doesn't mean carrying guns. 

Being a warrior means standing at the forefront to say No!!!

No to ill  treatment  of the girl child.

No to subjecting her to house chores only.

No to marrying her off at the age of thirteen.

No to beating her up like an animal.

No to being disappointed   because your children are all female. 

Instead, rejoice as your days will be longer and fresher like new wine.

Say YES Dad!

Say YES father!

Yes to sending her to school!

Yes to supporting her to come out tops in her class.

Yes to making her enjoy that sport she is good at.

Yes to making her your Olympic medalist.

Yes to making her feel like a girl  and blossom into a woman.

Yes to allowing her fall in love  and making her own choice of a husband.

Yes to building her career and not subjecting her to ridicule because  she cannot spell her name.

Build her, buy her that uniform today, take her to that school, bless her, be patient with her. 

So that when you send her to the world to explore as an adult, she becomes a role model. 

When you send her to cling to her man, she is not a traded item from the shelf but a heart that can pour the love and care you gifted her to that special man.

Education bridges the gap between the rich and the poor. 

Train a girl child, train a nation.

Let her learn, let her breathe, let her go through the knowledge  bridge and leave her footprints on the sands of time.

Happy International Girl Child Day

Authored by: 

Achu Obinna John

Volunteer at Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development

PUBLIC READING OF THE VAPP BILL, BAUCHI STATE CHAPTER - 18TH June, 2020

Advocacy for the VAPP Bill, which provides maximum protection for victims and punishment for offenders, against all forms of violence, has been in motion in Bauchi State, since April 2019 by Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, (IFWYD) and later several CSOs in the state. This culminated in the inauguration of the VAPP Law Bauchi Advocacy Technical Working Group comprising of CSOs that are active advocates against sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) in Bauchi.

The VAPP Group in partnership with Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARD-C), funded by the African Women Development Fund have made remarkable progress towards having the bill enacted as law in Bauchi State. The Bill sponsored by the speaker of the house, Hon. Suleiman Abubakar passed first and second reading at the Bauchi State House of Assembly on 9th June, 2020.

A public hearing was held by the assembly in partnership with Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), and the VAPP Law Bauchi Advy Technical Working Group in the state at the House of Assembly yesterday, 18th June 2020. 

The public reading was attended by the Speaker and Deputy speaker of the House, the Minority leader, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs of the House of Assembly Bauchi State, traditional rulers, religious leaders, government ministries, civil society organizations, representatives from the judiciary and media personnel.

In an opening remark, the speaker of the assembly stated that the bill was sponsored by him in view of the incidences of violence against the vulnerable members of the society, especially sexual violence that have been prevalent recently against minors, stating that the existing laws are inadequate to punish the perpetrators. He therefore charged the participants at the public hearing to give insightful recommendations to aid the house of assembly in come up with a comprehensive bill, that will help effectively deal with incidents of sexual abuse, and eliminate domestic violence in Bauchi state.   

During the public hearing, the following, recommendations were received by the House:

Magistrate Courts should have jurisdiction to issue protection orders and trial of certain offences under the law to afford people in rural communities the opportunity to avail themselves of the protections provided by the law, say Amina Garuba Ahmed a Senior Magistrate and founder Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development, because High Court Courts in Bauchi are centralized in the headquarters of the state and Magistrate courts are in every local government.

Adequate sensitization of the public on the content of the law was greatly emphasize by several attendees at the public hearing

Dr. Moh’d Mustapha Misau representing religious organization suggested that the content of  VAPP Law and laws of the state should be in accordance with the teaching of the two religion, Islam and Christianity. He emphasized collaboration with religious leaders in all their major laws and decision in the state.

Sarkin Yaki Muhammed, requested for enactment of law on rapenof minors by women in Bauchi State. He fully supported the bill on behalf of the traditional rulers.

Maigari Sani Isah, commented on part 2 of the bill and recommend that punishment for offenders needs review (e.g abandonment of spouse, children... punishable by Three (3) years imprison or ₦5, 000 or both) He recommended that, for an attempted offences, the punishment should be half of the punishment for the main offence and not less.

Barr. Elizabeth James, commented on the offence of female genital mutilation, stating that while she strongly agrees with the prescribed punishment, the option of fine of ₦200, 000 should be removed. The offence she said is serious and should have no option of fine and offenders to serve four years in jail, as contained in the VAPP Bill.

Barr. Shafau Ladan, a Chief Magistrate opined that penal code is inadequate on rape, it has to be reviewed. She recommended for repeal of sections of rape  or sexual assault in the penal code as there is the need to harmonize all the laws that try rape or sexual assault in Bauchi. (section 35 of the VAPP law should be re-drafted to suspended the two laws).

Christian association of Nigerian Bauchi chapter (CAN) Commended, Bauchi State House of Assembly(BAHA), and advocated for massive public enlightenment. 

Maikudi Grace, stated that, home permission on parent and guardian that condone the rape care or assault that denied across to the case should be punished seriously.

Amina Gumau, stated that genital mutilation should be considered according to the four categories it presents clinically and penalty be provided in the law according to the seriousness of each category. 

Other general suggestions and observation include;

Provision for a time frame within which to dispense with trial of rape and sexual and gender based violence in courts to facilitate speedy trial and Justice for victims

Provision should be made in the VAPP law for stigmatization of rape and sexal assault victims and punishment prescribed for offenders who stigmatize victims.

The Chairman, House Committee on women affairs Bauchi State House of Assembly (BAHA), assured the gathering of consideration and incorporation of recommendations made at the public hearing and the speedy passage of the bill into law. He commended the turnout for the public reading and thanked all attendees.

In conclusion, it was unanimously agreed that allvsuggestions and observations towards enhancing the bill, should be submitted to the House Committee on Women Affairs by Monday the 22nd of June 2020.

Publicity Secretary

IFWYD

Stand Still Rally Against Gender and Sexual Based Violence in Bauchi State - 5th June 2020.

Attah Sisters Helping Hands (ASHH) foundation, in partnership with Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development (IFWYD) and other partner CSO’s, embarked on a peaceful rally against sexual and gender based violence. The rally was deemed necessary and relevant, considering the uproars against sexual violence in the country, which was due to the recent sexual violations against women that occurred in the country and in Bauchi state too. 

 A state of emergency was demanded to be declared on rape! Considering the case of ‘Uwa’ “Barakat’, among others who were gang raped and murdered in cold blood. Bauchi state has also recorded cases of sexual abuse, especially against young female children and teenagers. 

IFWYD and other non-governmental organizations, and civil societies took a bold stand with ASHH foundation to embark on a peaceful rally to plead with the state government to declare a state of emergency against the act, and also enact a law that will properly address the situation, such as the VAPP Law (Violence Against Persons’ Prohibition Law) initiated by Ikra Foundation and partnering civil society organizations and supported by WARDC. The rally was also to create awareness to the to the general public about the recent happenings in the state and why it should be curbed. 

The event took place at the state ministry of justice, with over seventy participants, all dressed in black carrying placards that expressed their various opinion, on sexual based violence, such as “my body my right”, “no means no”, “say no to rape” among others. The commissioner for justice, Hon. Hello Kirfi received the participants warmly, and applauded their efforts, in taking such bold steps towards building a better community, free of gender and sexual based violence. The Director ASHH foundation alongside the Founder Ikra foundation, presented a draft copy of the purpose of the rally, and the agenda of VAPP law to the commissioner justice, he promised to give necessary support where needed. 

The event was covered by News Agencies and Media Houses of the state, and was cheered by a live brigade band. The rally ended at 12pm. 

By Precious Dare

Publicity Secretary

Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development

A CALL FOR HELP: Amina's Predicament

Amina hawks for her mother, who is a crippled widow. Amina and her brother hawks water from morning till evening to support their disabled mother. They make N300, profit daily, out of which Amina buys a local meal to feed her mother, her brother and herself. They eat once a day. 

Amina is out again today, but something is different! She noticed the streets are empty, she paused for a minute, sweat gathering at her frowning temple. She ran to the water vendor, her tray under her armpit. There was no sign of Baba Dini, the water vendor. She banged at his door. Baba Dini, peeped through the window, looked at Amina pitifully and said, 'my child there’s a situation now, the government has placed a restriction on movement! Because of a deadly disease, water is completely sold out to people who are stocking their houses for use through the  restriction period'. 

Amina listened with teary eyes, unable to believe her ears, she was lost in thoughts staring at Baba Dini, 'go home my child' came Baba Dini’s voice, as she jerked back to reality. She screamed and started wailing! Amina is just eight years old, her brother is five, with a disabled mother, their only means of survival has just been cut off. And she doesn’t even know why?

You can help Amina’s family, be a part of the change! No donation is little.

Be a part of the change! Hepl our feed an indigent family effort.

Give your donation today! IFWYD Cares. 

Use PayStack or make donations directly to

United Bank for Africa (UBA)

1006109397

Iqra Foundation for Women and Youth Development

©IFWYD

Dare Precious (Ms.)

Publicity Secretary

IFWYD cares