A non-governmental organisation (NGO), International Alert in collaboration with International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) have sensitised Kaduna residents on harmful cultural norms and practices that promote Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
The country director of International Alert Nigeria, Paul Nyulaku during the sensitisation exercise yesterday in Kaduna explained that the workshop signifies a significant stride forward in joint commitment to confront and eradicate the cultural norms and practices that underpin SGBV in our communities.
Nyulaku who was represented by programme manager, Anicetus Atakpu said this initiative is a crucial part of the ongoing project titled, “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice, and Accountability in North-West Nigeria: Samun Adalchi Shine Kwanciyar Hankali (Achieving Justice Promotes Stability).”
Atakpu said, “This 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. Our approach involves inclusive participation of community groups in alternative dispute resolution and local justice initiatives, building community capacities to resolve both historical and emerging disputes.
“It ensures that local justice mechanisms are inclusive, providing opportunities for survivors and marginalized groups to seek redress and actively engage in decision-making processes. Additionally, it empowers marginalised groups, including women and their leaders, as well as civil society organisations (CSOs), to amplify their voices and advocate for the resolution of their concerns.
“Importantly, we aim to create a supportive environment for women and other vulnerable groups by addressing and preventing SGBV”.
During his goodwill message, the commissioner for justice and attorney general of the state, Barr. Suleiman Shu’aibu disclosed that the state governor, Uba Sani has zero tolerance for SGBV.
He said, “I assure you that Kaduna State government will fight to the last any SGBV, the governor has zero tolerance for SGBV especially violence against women and children”.
In her welcome address, the chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kaduna State chapter, Aisha Abdu Muhammad, 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.
She urged Kaduna State government to do more in fighting SGBV in order to have a safe society, adding that stakeholders must be involved in curbing the menace.
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