Radda Vows Stronger Action Against Gender-Based Violence, Reaffirms Protection for Women and Children

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity and welfare of women and children, pledging stronger policies and partnerships to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) across the state.

The governor made the commitment on Saturday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF), which was in Katsina on an advocacy campaign against violence targeting women, girls and children. The delegation was led by the First Lady of Katsina State, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda.

Speaking during the visit, Radda said his government remains unwavering in its determination to implement programmes and policies that promote the safety, protection and empowerment of women and children.He stressed that acts of abuse, exploitation and discrimination against vulnerable groups would not be tolerated under his administration, assuring residents that efforts to strengthen protection mechanisms would continue.

The governor also pledged sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional institutions, civil society groups and development partners, to improve prevention strategies, response systems and support services for victims of gender-based violence.Radda commended the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum for spearheading advocacy initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable members of society, describing the campaign as both timely and necessary.

According to him, continuous public sensitisation and awareness campaigns are critical to reducing incidents of violence and building safer communities where women and children can thrive without fear.

Earlier, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda said the forum’s nationwide advocacy campaign seeks to educate communities on the devastating impact of violence against women, girls and children while promoting stronger support systems for survivors.

She described gender-based violence as a major challenge that threatens family stability, social cohesion and national development, warning that its consequences extend beyond individual victims to affect entire communities.

The governor’s wife emphasised that ending the scourge requires a collective effort involving governments at all levels, traditional and religious leaders, parents, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

She also praised the Katsina State Government for its efforts to protect the rights and welfare of women and children, urging communities to break the long-standing culture of silence surrounding abuse.

“Victims must be encouraged to speak up, and members of the public should promptly report cases of abuse to ensure perpetrators are held accountable,” she said.

She noted that the advocacy visit forms part of the forum’s nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of gender-based violence and mobilise support for the protection of women and children.

Meanwhile, the Katsina State Ministry of Women Affairs continues to implement programmes focused on prevention, public enlightenment, victim support and collaboration with relevant institutions to curb cases of gender-based violence.

As part of its visit to the state, the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum also held a similar advocacy engagement with the Katsina State House of Assembly.