The Taraba State Aids Control Agency (TACA) has called on citizens to deepen public awareness and take proactive steps in tackling the growing challenge of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across Taraba State.

The call was made during the Gender and Human Rights (GHR) and State Response Team (SRT) quarterly meeting held in Jalingo, where stakeholders from across sectors converged to address pressing issues surrounding GBV and child rights.

Speaking, the Gender and Human Rights Focal person of Taraba Aids Control Agency.l, Charity Yakubu, urged members of the public to move beyond passive awareness. She emphasized that citizens must not only “see something and say something” but also take action when confronted with cases of abuse or rights violations.

Yakubu explained that the GHR/SRT platform serves as a quarterly forum to deliberate on GBV cases, particularly those affecting persons living with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable populations. She stressed that addressing the menace requires a collective effort involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, and individuals.

“At every level, people must take responsibility by educating and informing others about human rights and the dangers of GBV,” she said.

TACA, as made known by her, cannot tackle the issue in isolation without collaboration across ministries and partner agencies.

Also speaking, the Director General of TACA, Dr. Bako Ali Istifanus, described GBV as a serious societal threat affecting both young and old.in.the state and the country at large.

Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Bala Zungeri, he urged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and develop practical recommendations to curb the problem.

Stakeholders who cited poverty, loneliness, and unemployment, among
major factors contributing to GBV,
noted that economic hardship often exposes women to exploitation and abuse.

To address this, they called on organizations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria and Muslim groups, as well as philanthropists and civil society organizations, to support sustainable financial empowerment initiatives for women.