Traditional rulers and religious leaders have been urged to take a more active role in tackling gender-based violence as women’s groups intensified awareness campaigns across Kaduna State.
The call was made by the African Women Leaders Network, Kaduna State chapter, in collaboration with the Network of Women with Disabilities and CANET, during a community awareness walk held in Barnawa, Kaduna, on Friday.
The organisers said the campaign was designed to educate residents about the dangers of GBV, encourage victims and witnesses to speak out and direct affected persons to available support services.
Speaking after the exercise, the lead of the organisation, Mrs Rifkatu Yakubu Bawa, said fear of rejection, abandonment and other social consequences had forced many victims to keep cases of violence to themselves.
Bawa said GBV was not restricted to women, noting that men and children could also be affected. She added that incidents could occur in homes, marriages, schools, religious institutions and marketplaces.
She urged victims of sexual or physical violence to seek immediate medical attention and report cases to the appropriate authorities, stressing that medical records could also provide important evidence when pursuing justice.
According to her, victims in Kaduna State could access support through designated facilities, including Yusuf Dantsoho Hospital, Gwamna Awan Hospital and centres in Zaria and Kafanchan, while a dedicated hotline was also available for assistance.
Bawa said the campaign required collective action, urging communities, traditional institutions, religious bodies, the media and other organisations to strengthen prevention and response efforts. “If you see something, say something. Do not keep quiet,” she said.
