By: EMMANUEL AGBO, Kaduna
International Alert, (IA) in partnership with the Global Peace Development, (GPD) and the International Federation Of Women Lawyers, (FiDA) has expressed dismay over the incessant sexual and gender based violence, (SGBV) in Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State Chapter Chairperson of FiDA, Hajiya Aisha Abdu Mohammed alongside other sister agencies, declared a state of emergency, during a one-day sensitization workshop on addressing harmful cultural norms and practices that promote SGBV on the theme, “Legal and social protection of women and girls against gender based violence”, in Kaduna on Monday.
Aisha said, FiDA has been at the forefront in the fight for the protection, promotion and preservation of the rights and interest of women and children in Nigeria, adding that despite the collaborations with many organizations and NGOs in the fight, there seems not to be any headway.
The Chairperson stressed that, “the reason we think it’s not perfect is that the perpetrators are not sensitized enough and women and girls are usually the main focus on sensitization leaving the men who are the perpetrators behind.
“We are not saying that some female genders are not involved in this but the ratio compare to the men is quite negligible. So this propel the meeting of today. FIDA from now is going to sensitized the men more than the women because we have been sensitizing women and we are going to do this so that we can send out the message to the men and we hope that we bring at least to the bare minimum.
“So we believe that all hands must be on deck to fight this thing not only the women but the men, everybody should be out there to fight this menace. To this end, we are declaring a state of emergency on violence against women and children.” She said.
In his remarks, the Country Director, International Alert, (IA) Paul Nyulaku, said the workshop signifies a significant stride forward in their joint commitment to confront and eradicate the cultural norms and practices that underpin SGBV in the communities.
Represented by the Program Manager, International Alert, Anicetus Atakpu, Nyulaku conveyed their profound appreciation to the Kaduna state chapter of FiDA for their unwavering support in organizing the event, disclosing that the workshop was also been made possible through funding from the United Kingdom, (UK) Government under the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).
He further reiterated that that the initiative is a crucial part of their ongoing project titled “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice, and Accountability in North-West Nigeria: Samun Adalchi Shine Kwanciyar Hankali (Achieving Justice Promotes Stability)” while noting that the project is dedicated to supporting stabilization, local justice, and the prevention of SGBV by fostering inclusivity, accountability, and conflict
management to reduce violence in Zamfara and Kaduna states.
Assuring FiDA and Sister agencies at the program, the Attorney General, Commissioner for Justice Kaduna state, Barrister Sule Shauibu said that the government of Kaduna state will always stand by them and also fight to the last against any gender based violence.
He said, “I am sure you are aware that we have such unit in the ministry of justice. we do not take it likely, we are not taking it likely and I am assuring you that we are going to fight it to the last wherever it is identified.
“This program cannot be more apt. SGBV like we all know continue to be on the increase the prevalence of which the purpose of our gathering today am sure will give us the opportunity to be able to disect and discuss on ideas and solutions on the way forward.
“I want to use this opportunity to assure you that the government of Kaduna state will always stand by you and also fight to the last any gender based violence. I am sure you are aware that we have such unit in the ministry of justice, we do not take it likely, we are not taking it likely and I am assuring you that we are going to fight it to the last wherever it’s identified.
“We won’t compromise. The Kaduna state Governor, Senator Uba Sani has zero tolerance for crimes and criminality particularly the ones that affects women and girls. So I want to assure you that whatever it’s that you might have resolved today, wherever we can key in, we shall key in. We will collaborate with you, we will support you we will give you all the necessary assistance to ensure that you discharge and fight this cankerworm to a standstill.”
In a communique agreed upon by participants at the workshop, they agreed that SGBV is a horrific offence that has lasting negative effects on the victims/survivors.
“It is a pandemic that requires all hands on deck to treat this cancer worm. Hence the need to highlight practical solutions that will help the fight against SGBV and strengthen the protection of women and children in our society.,” they said.
They however, recommended that SGBV should have a stipulated timeline And should be pseudo-generic cases as the longer the case takes the less likely for conviction, due to loss of evidence and witnesses.
According to the participants, sensitisation should be continuous, while the method may be adaptive. “Communities need to feel heard and seen so as to encourage survivors (women and children) speak out more about their abuse .”
“Economic empowerment for women and girls should be invested in heavily, this will provide independence and a sense of identity for them, and also economic protection.”
“There is need to carry-out a robust and thorough investigation, in order to gather enough evidence that prosecutors can use to win cases and ensure a conviction.”
“There should be training for personnel handling cases in family courts and increased funding for running these courts.”
“Rape is a criminal offense and such cases are between the state and the defendant, no one has the right to settle a rape case privately especially as it attracts a capital punishment.”
“There should be monitored interaction between children and relatives and neighbours of the opposite gender; this includes bathing, playing privately etc.”
“Sex offenders register should be made public so as to alert communities of a perpetrator in the community .Expose minors to information about sexual abuse and rape so they do not fear reporting to an adult about sexual abuse. The report from SARC should carry the name of the offender, as this is crucial in securing a conviction in court. Offender’s names should not be kept anonymous where the survivor has declared his name,” they added.
