An official of the NGO, Naomi Maiguwa made the call during a sensitization meeting with key opinion leaders in the state on Gender Equal Opportunities Bill for Persons and Women inclusion in Dicision Making.
The project is supported by UN-Women in implementing EU-funded program in partnership with UNICEF, Gombe State Ministry of Women Affairs and Search for Common Ground in Gombe on Friday.
She said that the regulatory agencies of the Nigerian media should ensure effective application of standards against hate speech and cases against victims in court such as rape, domestic or political violence.
Such cases, Maiguwa added, should be tracked and reported until the cases are disposed, sensitize the populace well against the culture of silence where crimes such as rape and other forms of violence are perpetrated against women and girls.
Maiguwa also called on traditional and religious Leaders not to allow Political candidates to use places of worship to campaign which is a violation of the electoral Act
“Always warn faith communities against using violence or indulging in hate speech especially against opponents and Traditional rulers should use traditional methods of settling disputes.
“Appoint women into traditional councils to support with reporting early warning signs and helping with mitigation measures and sensitize populace against culture of silence where crimes are perpetrated
Also speaking, the state Coordinator of Search for Common Ground, Chorbe Joshua Gonlur said that all stakeholders need to work in partnerships with relevant bodies towards having an enabling environment for everyone including women in peace building and conflict resolution.
“Women as both actors and captives should be integrated in the state peace architecture and all stakeholders should work together to discuss conflict issues, develop action plan to address issues, conduct periodic meeting to assess progress and document good practices especially stories of women involvement in peace building.
