The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi has advocated for the use of technology in women’s protection, stressing that there is need to take action to improve women’s rights and safety in the communities in which we operate.
He said, “violence and discrimination against women can destroy women’s lives and hold them back from playing active roles in the workplace, society and the economy.
This was during an interactive session with some students from Mercy Model School, Kuje, Abuja, through the Gender Unit of the Corps at the National Headquarters, to mark the year 2023 International Women’s Day with the theme, “Digital lnnovation and Technology For Gender Equality “
The CG emphasised that as the world has tilted towards technology, the Corps is also not lagging behind. He said, “Because the world is evolving technological, the Corps has also advanced in technology in the fight against gender based violence, with the creation of the School’s Gender Based Violence Reporting Application (SGBV APP).
He reiterated that his administration having been mandated by Mr President to draw up a robust programme to provide safety and security to schools, resorted to the use of technology for quicker results.
He explained that the App will help in reporting rape, sex for grades and cultism in our schools.
Another similar technology developed according to the CG is the Community and School Threat Alert and Broadcast System (C-STAB) developed for communities to alert and report security breaches to security agencies for quick intervention.
He stated that the Corps is presently housing the National School Security and Emergency Response Centre, with members also drawn from other security agencies amongst other stakeholders and the idea is to use technology to monitor schools and respond adequately to any emergency.
While congratulating all the women across the globe, the CG said that based on research, women in their nature have proven to excel tremendously in any venture they embark upon.
He maintained that his administration birthed the Female Squad which has been replicated in all the Corps formations, including the gender desk office to champion the cause of women and children in schools, both private and public as the lives of every child matters irrespective of schools they attend.
The Corps helmsman urged the privately owned schools to utilise the services of the Private Guard Companies (PGC) that are certified, trained and working hand in gloves with the Corps.
He advised members of the public to approach the Private Guard Department in all State Commands of the Corps nationwide for any information, assistance and to check the status of any PGC they intend to contract for safety and security concerns.