From Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) has conducted a sensitisation campaign across selected communities to educate residents and road construction workers on gender-based violence (GBV), abuse prevention, and the protection of women’s and children’s rights.
The exercise was carried out in Safana Village in Charanchi Local Government Area, Maina Village in Kankia Local Government Area, and Kafarda Village in Kusada Local Government Area.
Speaking during the sensitisation meetings, Mrs. Masturah Aminu, Lead Consultant and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Intermediary Service Provider from Better Me Consulting under the National RAAMP Office, emphasised the importance of creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment both at workplaces and within communities.
She stressed that RAAMP maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of abuse, exploitation, and sexual harassment, noting that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of status or background.
Mrs. Aminu urged community members and road construction workers to remain vigilant and promptly report any cases of abuse, exploitation, or violations of children’s rights to ensure swift and appropriate action.
In his remarks, the RAAMP Environmental and Social Officer in Katsina State, Alhaji Sanusi Barau, said the objective of the sensitisation programme was to ensure that rural development projects are implemented in line with human rights principles while promoting the well-being of host communities.
He noted that RAAMP would continue to raise awareness about the dangers of abuse and the need to protect children from practices that could hinder their education, development, and future opportunities.
Other speakers at the event included Barrister Hafsat Zinatu Buhari, Fatima Zahra Yusuf, and other members of the RAAMP team, who highlighted various measures for protecting women and children from abuse and explained the legal consequences for offenders.
During the meetings, community members and road construction workers were reminded of key regulations, including the need to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Participants were informed that it is strictly prohibited to request or accept sexual favours in exchange for employment, wages, promotions, contracts, or any other work-related benefits.
The speakers further explained that intimidation, harassment, exploitation, or taking advantage of a person’s vulnerability to establish sexual relationships is unacceptable.
The programme also reaffirmed that child labour is strictly prohibited, emphasising that children belong in school and not at work.
They warned that violations of these rules could result in suspension from work, termination of contracts, or dismissal from employment.
Serious offences may also lead to referral to law enforcement agencies, prosecution in court, and punishment under relevant laws, including the Katsina State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, the Katsina State Child Rights Protection Law, the Penal Code, and other applicable legislation.
The speakers also called on parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s activities and welfare at all times.
They emphasised the importance of knowing where children go and the people they associate with in order to protect them from danger and all forms of abuse.
The sensitisation programme was well received by residents of the affected communities, who commended RAAMP for its efforts in raising awareness and strengthening the protection of women, children, and other vulnerable members of society.
