Initiative Advances Women, Adolescent Girls’ Rights in Bauchi Community

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By Monday Danladi 

Women and adolescent girls in Goli Community, Miri Ward of Bauchi Local Government Area, have been urged not to suffer in silence when their rights are violated.

They were encouraged to speak out, seek justice, and demand accountability whenever their rights are trampled upon.

The call was made by a Bauchi-based non-governmental organisation, Imperial Women Initiative (IWI), during a sensitisation programme organised to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD), themed: “Rights, Justice, and Action for Women and Girls.”

The 2026 IWD focuses on raising awareness about women’s rights, access to justice, and protection against violence, particularly among vulnerable groups in communities.

No fewer than 100 participants—including women, men, youths, children, community leaders, and IWI staff—attended the event.

Goli Community is largely made up of women who have experienced various forms of physical and emotional violence, making the sensitisation both timely and impactful.

The programme began with a welcome address and an overview of International Women’s Day, highlighting the importance of gender equality, rights awareness, and collective community action.

In her keynote address, the Executive Director of IWI, Victoria Ayodele Fajimi, emphasised the dignity, value, and fundamental rights of women. She urged participants to recognise their worth, speak out against all forms of violence, and support one another in building a safe and inclusive society.

During the technical session, a representative of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Bauchi State office, Barrister Nuru Sulaiman, delivered a presentation on fundamental human rights. He outlined key rights, including the right to education, economic empowerment, and access to justice.

He further encouraged community members to report cases of rights violations, stressing that the protection of human rights is a shared responsibility.

Also speaking, a community mobiliser and volunteer on peace and security urged women to maintain cooperation in their homes and avoid situations that could escalate into violence.

Participants actively shared personal experiences, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding among attendees.

At the end of the programme, sanitary materials and refreshments were distributed to support participants’ well-being.

The initiative significantly boosted awareness of women’s rights in Goli Community and reinforced a collective commitment to preventing violence, promoting peaceful coexistence, and ensuring that women and girls live with dignity, safety, and equal opportunities.