The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission has called for collaboration with religious leaders in the state to address the rising issue of gender-based violence (GBV). Chairperson of the Commission, Olivia Dazyam, made this appeal during a press briefing in Jos, stating that the involvement of religious leaders could help change the narrative and combat the culture of silence surrounding GBV in the region.
Since its establishment, the Commission has handled 163 cases, including rape, child trafficking, and spousal abuse, with 13 cases still pending in court. Only one conviction has been secured so far. Dazyam noted the difficulty in enforcing the law, as many victims and their families are reluctant to seek justice due to societal pressures and the cultural tendency to prioritize forgiveness over legal action.
Dazyam emphasized the need for religious leaders to leverage their influence in changing attitudes toward reporting and addressing GBV. She stressed that although the state has a legal framework to combat such violence, effective enforcement is hindered by the silence of victims and their families.
The Commission has made notable progress, such as successfully retrieving trafficked children and securing legal actions against offenders. Dazyam reaffirmed the commitment of the Commission, with the support of the state government, to continue advocating for women’s rights and the dignity of individuals.
