The Katsina State Government has established a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to provide immediate emergency medical, psychological, and legal services to victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The Special Adviser to Gov. Dikko Radda on Girl Child Education and Child Development, Hajiya Amina Lawal, made the disclosure at a press briefing, in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child, in Katsina, on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by the Save the Children, in collaboration with the Department of the Girl Child Education and Child Development.
NAN also reports that the theme of this year is: “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”
She said that the center was equipped with necessary resources to provide sexual and gender-based violence support, care and justice which the victims deserved.
According to her, the center is currently running a training programme of girls on vocational skills from Katsina, Daura, Mani and Batagarawa Local Government Areas of the state.
The special adviser assured girls in the state that building their future remained topmost priority of the present administration.
In her remarks, the Programme Manager, Save the Children, Ms Altine Lewi, assured to continue providing platforms where children could speak to those in authority on issues that affect them.
“We will continue to provide you with support and commitment to everything concerning children, that is why our name is Save the Children.
“We will continue to provide you platforms where you can speak, we will continue to give you capacity building, so that you know how to engage with others. If possible, we will link you with policymakers,” she assured.
Earlier in a remarks, one of the girls, Saudat Akilu, said: “Empowering girls to see the future is empowering humanity to achieve greatness.
“Let’s remove barriers and make every girl’s dream possible. Listen to our voices, achievements, and challenges, and work together to help us achieve our goals.
“Join us as we inspire, empower, and celebrate the girls who will shape our collective future,” she advised.
NAN reports that the girls demanded for quality education, protection from violence, full implementation of Child Protection Laws, health and well-being.
Other areas are; safe spaces for freedom of expression, digital inclusion and safety, equal opportunities and empowerment. (NAN)
