In this interview with ENE OSHABA, Mrs. Mary Sinjen, the Honorable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development in Taraba state, reflects on her work to strengthen women and children in the state. She shares the progress made under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefas, highlighting that women now hold 31% of cabinet positions in the state, marking a significant step toward gender equality in governance.
To begin, could you share more about yourself?
I have always been a passionate advocate for women’s rights and child welfare. My unwavering commitment has been focused on creating a violence-free state where women and children feel both protected and safe.
Over the years, my efforts have been recognised, and I was honored to receive a National Award from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for my work in combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria. My journey to the top has not been without challenges, but these challenges have also strengthened and built my capacity for many accomplishments. My vision for the future of women and children in the region is to see a society where they can live more dignified, meaningful lives and achieve economic stability.
What is the current general status of women in Taraba state and, especially in terms of gender equality in the workplace, considering the northern part of Nigeria where gender roles can be quite traditional?
It’s an evolving situation in Taraba, but we’ve made remarkable progress. In the past, women were often relegated to secondary roles in many aspects of life. However, under the leadership of our gender-friendly governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, Taraba has broken barriers. When the governor took office, he appointed several women into critical positions, including Commissioner for Finance, Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Information, and Commissioner for Social Justice, among others. In total, women occupy 31% of the positions in the state cabinet. This is a huge step towards equal representation.
This commitment from our governor has given women a voice and a presence in governance and it has led to better representation and inclusion in decision-making processes. We’re no longer in a situation where women’s voices are ignored. The governor’s policies have allowed women to actively contribute to the state’s development.
You are in Abuja for the 2nd annual conference of Commissioners for Ministries of Women Affairs.
Since you assumed office as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development in 2023, could you share some of the key achievements you’ve made so far?
On my assumption of office, one of the first pressing issues I addressed was child trafficking. We intercepted 35 children who had been trafficked and were fortunate enough to reunite them with their biological families. This was a massive relief for both the children and their families, especially as some parents had more than one child among the victims.
The village of Makarfi, from where most of the children had been trafficked, had no schools. The trafficker had lured the parents by promising to educate their children. To prevent future trafficking, I approached our state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, who facilitated the construction of a primary school in Makarfi. We have been monitoring the school’s progress to ensure the children receive the education they deserve, thereby preventing any further trafficking in the area.
In addition to these initiatives, we have established a shelter for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), providing them with refuge and counseling. We’ve also worked tirelessly to sensitise women across the state about their rights, especially the importance of speaking up against violence. Through these efforts, we’ve witnessed a significant increase in the number of women reporting GBV incidents, which culminated in Taraba state winning an award for being the top state in reporting gender-based violence cases in Nigeria.
What’s the statistics on cases of GBV you’ve reported that earned your state the award?
Yes, we have made significant progress in this area. As a result of our awareness campaigns, many women in Taraba have gained the confidence to speak out about their experiences with violence. In fact, our efforts led to Taraba becoming the first state to top the gender-based violence reporting dashboard last year, a recognition I received as the commissioner.
We have monitored and evaluated up to 1,000 cases in some months, through the work of our technical team and our collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. The public now understands that there is a safe space for reporting violence, and the government will take action.
We have also made it clear that survivors of violence are not alone in their journey to healing and justice. Our department works closely with the police and other relevant bodies to ensure that these cases are followed through to the end.
How would you describe the VAPP (Violence Against Persons) implementation and the establishment of family courts in the state?
In 2023, we successfully gazetted the VAP Law, which was previously domesticated but not fully implemented. The law now provides a legal framework to protect women and children from all forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and trafficking. It’s an important step forward in the fight for women’s rights.
We’ve also made significant progress in setting up family courts. These courts will specialise in handling issues related to family law, including GBV, child custody, and other related matters.
It’s important that we create a judicial system that is sensitive to the needs of women and children, especially in matters involving domestic violence and child protection. The courts have already started functioning in some parts of the state, and we aim to establish them in all 16 local governments soon.
In addition, we are working on strengthening our Sexual Assault Referral (SARC) Centres and Skills Acquisition Centres (SACs), which will provide women with the tools they need to support themselves and contribute to their communities. We plan to have SACs in all three geopolitical zones of the state.
You’ve been doing such crucial work for women and children. In this women’s month what message do you have for Nigerian women, especially those in Taraba State?
My message to Nigerian women, particularly the women of Taraba state, is one of empowerment and self-improvement. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Accelerate Action,” and I encourage all women to take action in their own lives. Don’t wait for anyone to give you permission to succeed. Women must take responsibility for their futures and contribute to the growth of their families and communities.
I also want to tell women that they should never feel inferior because of their gender. We have the power to change our lives, and in doing so, we change the lives of those around us. If you have a supportive partner, work together with him to build a better future. But if you are in a situation where your potential is being stifled, you need to stand up for yourself and pursue your dreams. No one has the right to hold you back.
Would you say women in your state are emancipated enough to chase their careers, this has been a challenge?
This is a very real issue for many women, especially in societies where traditional roles are deeply ingrained. I always tell women that they should not be afraid to pursue their passions, and they should never allow anyone to hold them back. If your husband or family is preventing you from growing, whether through education or work, it’s important to have an open conversation with them. Explain your aspirations and how it can benefit not just you, but your entire family.
But if you are in a situation where your dreams are being actively suppressed, I advise you to take control of your life. Seek opportunities outside your home – whether through education, community involvement, or skill-building. As the saying goes, “What a man can do, a woman can do even better.” If you believe in yourself, there’s nothing stopping you from achieving your dreams.
Finally, what are your plans for the future of women and children in the state?
We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we are committed to ensuring that women and children in Taraba state are protected, empowered, and given the opportunities they deserve. I’m particularly excited about the second-chance education program for young girls who dropped out of school, especially due to unintended pregnancies. We want to give them another shot at a better life.
We are also working on a new women empowerment policy that will support women who want to start businesses or further their education. The future is bright for the women and children of Taraba, and I am dedicated to continuing our efforts to provide them with the support they need to thrive.
I’m working tirelessly to be a beacon of hope for women and children in Taraba state. My work in empowering survivors of violence, ensuring children’s rights, and creating opportunities for women’s growth is aimed towards making a real difference. I particularly urge women to take control of their futures, pursue their dreams, and overcome any obstacles, including opposition from family or societal expectations. This is because I envision a brighter future for women and children, built on education, empowerment, and equal opportunities.