SISDev (RC1523933)

Courtesy Call to MWA

 COURTESY CALL 

The visit started with an introduction between members of SISDev and the acting permanent secretary of women affairs. The chair of the Good Governance Team Amb.Laraba Abdullahi gave an overview of SISDev as, legally registered with CAC with an RC number of 1523933 as limited by Guaranty on September 11th, 2018. The organization started in 2006 as EDF, until 2018 it was renamed as “SISDev” a non-partisan, non- governmental organization consisting of 5 BOTs, group of fellows, an Executive Director, staff and volunteers. She further added that, SISDev focuses on three thematic areas:

  1. Peace and Security
  2. Good Governance
  3. Energy and Environment

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of the visit was to seek for partnership in relevant areas that are similar as SISDev’s and also to support Government to raise leaders that are accountable and transparent through cross fertilization of ideas by bringing change and enhancing sustainability. Adding that, SISDev provides capacity building training to staff and also technical expertise towards ensuring efficiency in delivery of service. The issue of Gender Based Violence (GBV) was also a reason for the courtesy call, which is considered one of the menace affecting the society and needs to be addressed. Gender Equity; ensuring that women participate actively in the running and Governance of the society.

 SESSION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF WOMEN AFFAIRS AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

After SISDev’s brief introduction with the commissioner, Hon. Hajara Gidado, Amb.Laraba Abdullahi added that, the visit was to identify areas of collaboration with regards to Gender Based Violence and Harassment, she also stated that, SISDev has energetic and strong youths whom are willing, therefore if there is any way if the Government needs support SISDev will come in. Further added that, as a Ministry of Women affairs, there is the need to address such cases as the representation of women is not commensurate to men at work places. More on her explanation, women are more vulnerable to abuses in places of work, so she said as SISDev works with the Ministry, there will be a bigger and wider opportunity of reducing such cases. Furthermore, she narrated that, ensuring Girl-Child education and enrolment becomes important in terms of retention in the Tertiary level. More on key areas is, the Almajiri System, whom are being recruited as Boko Haram. Therefore, there is the need to prioritize the Almajiri.

The permanent secretary Aliyu Ibrahim chipped in and added that, the Ministry runs projects on(OPC) Orphans and Vulnerable Children and (GBV). Added that issues of Child Abuse are being handled by BASOCA.

  ALA added that, SISDev collaborates with Women Peer Support Network to provide capacity building Training for young women and support. Similarly, JB Gave a briefing on some of the activities undertaken by SISDev:

  • SGBV presentation
  • Girls in Tertiary Education
  • Collaboration with women that have a diverse focus such as SHE-tech and Solar Sister.

The commissioner, after listening to SISDev also gave a briefing on activities carried out by her office: SGBV, which she said is rampant and due to that, laws have been set but because it has clashed with religious ethics, is subject to review. She added that, Bauchi State had recorded 720 cases of rape and mostly after sentence perpetrators get acquitted and also the Government is trying to see that is being stopped. The commissioner also shared her experience with regards to campus harassment.

Similarly, she said the Government had developed children parliament, where young and vulnerable ones have the right to give their views. Furthermore, Ministry of Education and USAID together with her office provide support to ensure they are comfortable in school. Added that, her office had launched an action plan in terms of security and Good Governance with CSOs, so there needs to be Gender Equity with regards to this issue.

CONCLUSION

The commissioner stated that, SISDev has a group of experts and experienced individuals and therefore her office wishes to partner and collaborate with SISDev, in order to achieve sustainability.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  1. Government should provide structures with conveniences for food vendors inorder to minimize trafficking and abuse by unscrupulous elements in the society.
  2. Government should allow women participation/inclusion in all aspect of governance.
  3. Government should ensure that, justice is served for victims of GBV and other criminal activities.