Plateau commission rallies support against gender based violence

The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (PLASGEOC) has called on citizens across the state to promptly report cases of gender-based violence and human rights abuses to the commission for necessary action.

The appeal was made on Saturday in Jos,  during a one-day training workshop for journalists on gender-sensitive reporting and inclusive storytelling.

Addressing participants, Nene Dung, the Director of Information at PLASGEOC, emphasised that gender-based violence affects both men and women. She noted that men experiencing abuse should not remain silent but come forward and report such incidents. She added that the commission is committed to responding to all reports, regardless of gender.

Similarly, Dung encouraged women facing harassment or bullying by their male counterparts to speak out and report to the commission. According to her, silence only worsens the situation and undermines efforts to eradicate gender-related violence in Plateau State.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Olivia Dzem, a lawyer and the Acting Chairperson of the Commission stated that the commission faces challenges in handling certain cases due to entrenched cultural beliefs. She stressed the need for public support and a shift in societal norms to help address gender issues effectively.

In their separate remarks, Joyce Ramnap, and Caroline Darfur, the Plateau State Commissioners for Information and for Women Affairs and Social Development commended the commission’s efforts since its inception. They said the commission has made significant strides in addressing gender issues and improving the lives of vulnerable individuals in the state.

Ayuku Pwaspo, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, pledged continued support for the commission’s work. She assured that journalists in the state would continue to promote good governance and expose injustices through responsible and socially sensitive reporting.

Jumai Madaki, a facilitator at the workshop, cautioned journalists against using images or language that could escalate tensions or re-traumatise victims. She urged reporters to adhere to ethical guidelines and ensure fairness, accuracy, and sensitivity when covering gender-based violence cases.