The Sir Ahmadu Memorial Foundation (SABMF) has called for increased advocacy against gender-based violence in order to promote positive behavioral change in the country.
Mr. Abubakar Umar, it’s Managing Director made the call in a statement in Kaduna on Monday which was made available to the Newsmen.
He said there was a need for the empowerment of women and adolescent girls in order to reduce their vulnerability to gender-based violence.
Umar said that SABMF was concerned about the spate of sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence in the country.
“The foundation recommends gender inclusiveness to increase women participation in the socio-economic and political activities in their communities.
“We also call for improved and free medical attention to victims of rape and other forms of gender-based violence,” he said.
He called for the strengthening of extant laws on gender-based violence to ensure effective justice delivery for victims.
Umar who described rape as a crime that required serious attention urged community and religious leaders to get involved in the advocacy against it.
“We are talking about a crime that has a direct negative impact on the economic development of not only women but the nation.
“We all need to stand out to support the victims, we must encourage them to speak out,” he said.
