The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (PLASGEOC) has urged citizens to promptly report incidents of gender-based violence and human rights abuses, stressing that timely intervention can help curb the rising trend across the state.
The call was made during a one-day training workshop held on Saturday in Jos, aimed at equipping journalists with tools for gender-sensitive reporting and inclusive storytelling.
Speaking at the event, Nene Dung, Director of Information at PLASGEOC, emphasized that gender-based violence affects both men and women. She encouraged male victims to speak up rather than suffer in silence, assuring that the commission treats all cases with equal seriousness, regardless of gender.
“Abuse is not gender-exclusive. Men, too, face harassment and violence, and they must feel safe to come forward. Silence only deepens the trauma and hinders justice,” Dung said.
She also urged women experiencing harassment or bullying to break the silence and report to the commission, stressing that speaking out is the first step toward ending the cycle of abuse.
Earlier in her welcome address, Olivia Dzem, a lawyer and Acting Chairperson of PLASGEOC, acknowledged the challenges faced by the commission in addressing certain cases, citing entrenched cultural beliefs and societal norms as significant barriers.
“While our mandate is clear, cultural resistance remains a major obstacle. We need public cooperation and a shift in societal attitudes to advance gender equality in Plateau State,” Dzem said.
The event also featured remarks from Joyce Ramnap, Plateau State Commissioner for Information, and Caroline Darfur, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development. Both commended the commission’s efforts in championing gender equity and supporting vulnerable groups since its inception.
Ayuku Pwaspo, Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, pledged continued support for PLASGEOC, reaffirming the media’s role in holding institutions accountable and exposing injustices.
“Journalists are key agents of change. We are committed to reporting responsibly and amplifying voices that are often ignored,” Pwaspo said.
Facilitator Jumai Madaki advised journalists to avoid using images, words, or framing that could retraumatize victims or heighten tensions. She called for ethical and empathetic coverage of gender-based violence, with emphasis on fairness, accuracy, and sensitivity.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to foster safer reporting practices and enhance collaboration between the media and PLASGEOC in the fight against gender inequality and abuse in Plateau State.
