PLATEAU: THE TALKING POINTS PRESENTED BY GENDER COMMISSION’S CHAIRPERSON, BARR OLIVIA DAZYAM, AT THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN GYEL, JOS-SOUTH LGA (UNEDITED)

1. Introduction to the Plateau State Gender Commission

Mandate:

Promote gender equality, equity, and the rights of women, children, and other vulnerable groups in Plateau State.

Develop and enforce policies, laws, and programs addressing gender-based violence (GBV), child labor, trafficking, and neglect.

BARR. OLIVIA ON HER FEET

Partner with stakeholders to mainstream gender in all sectors.

2. Functions of the Commission

Advocacy for gender rights and gender-sensitive policies.

Implementation of gender-focused legislation, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.

Provision of support services for survivors of GBV, trafficking, and child abuse.

Monitoring and evaluation of gender programs.

Partnering with local governments, civil society organizations, and international agencies for awareness and capacity building.

3. Key Activities of the Commission

Conducting sensitization campaigns on GBV, child trafficking, and child labor and neglect.

Create awareness on the availability of laws for protection. eg child rights law, VAPP, GEOC law and the Gronom.

BARR. DAZYAM

 Establishing Mediation Centers to resolve family and community disputes amicably.

Providing psychosocial and legal support to survivors of abuse and violence.

Training and capacity development for community stakeholders, traditional leaders, and local authorities.

Collaborating with development partners for funding and technical support.

4. Achievements of the Commission So Far

Successfully prosecuted cases of GBV, child trafficking, and exploitation. 2 convictions secured.

Establishment of functional Mediation Centers across LGAs, including Jos South LGA.

Enhanced community-based reporting mechanisms and protection services.

5. The Place of Gyel in SGBV, Child Labor, Trafficking, and Neglect

SGBV: Jos South LGA is among the areas with significant reports of domestic violence, sell of children, and child trafficking. Not too long ago, Plateau girls were brought in from Ghana, majority of them are from Gyel.

In Gyel, trafficking seems to be a booming business, where young girls who ought to be in school become Madams who traffick other girls.

Child Labour: Plateau State ranks 4th in child labor, with Gyel contributing to this index due to lack of awareness and neglect. In Gyel, we have brandished our children as witches and wizards and are quick to bury them alive or even take their lives.

What is more worrisome is the fact that these cases are not reported as they ought to be.

Trafficking: Increased cases of child trafficking for domestic labour and exploitation and commercial sex work.

Neglect: High levels of child neglect. Parents have neglected their responsibilities of caring and providing for their children. For example, in mararaban jama'a children roam the streets and even end up in vices as a result of neglect. This dysfunctionality has not only made children to be vulnerable but has also exposed the inadequacies of parents.

6. Challenges of the Commission House help syndrome

Everyone wants their daughter to go outside the state and work to get money. But do you stop to know what kind of work these girls are exposed to?

Lack of adequate community awareness on SGBV issues and neglect.

Limited community awareness about the Commission's mandate and available support.

Culture of silence and negotiation of crime.

I was made to understand some time back that a rape case reported from Gyel was negotiated because the family of the perpetrator begged. So what happens to the life of the victim?

Gyel is a community that has bye laws, so why are there still cases of SGBV on this area?

7. Opportunities for Synergy with the VAPP Platform in Gyel.

The VAPP platform in Jos South can strengthen the implementation of gender-focused laws and reduce GBV prevalence.

Collaboration on community sensitization campaigns targeting religious and traditional leaders.

Joint capacity-building programs for law enforcement, health workers, and community mediators.

Sharing data and resources for effective monitoring and reporting.

8. Availability and Importance of the Mediation Centre in Gyel

The Jos South Mediation Centre will offer:

Conflict resolution and information on referrals and linkages.

Free counselling and mediation services for survivors of violence and neglect.

Encourage community members to leverage the Centre to resolve disputes peacefully and report abuse cases.

9. Call to Action

Urge stakeholders, including local government, community leaders, and CSOs, to work with the mediation centre in Jos South

Support the Mediation Centre and its services.   

Advocate for child rights and protection to reduce child labor and trafficking in the LGA.

Put the bye law to use. Invoke the provisions of the bye law and also encourage violated persons to speak out. No one should use his/ position to threaten a victim or even sweep a case under the carpet.

Everyone must be a whistle-blower, report any violation to the mediation center in the local government.

10. Conclusion:

Jos South LGA has the potential to be a model for addressing SGBV, child labor, and trafficking through collaboration and synergy of all groups and platforms.

The commission id organizing a Community Outreach Program as part of activities to mark her one year anniversary.