Amnesty, FIDA Move To Curb Rising GBV Cases In Kano

A two-day training on strengthening legal response to gender-based violence (GBV) has ended in Kano State, with Amnesty International and its partner, the International Federation of Women Lawyers, raising concerns over the rising prevalence of abuse and calling for urgent reforms.

The training, which targeted female lawyers and justice sector actors, focused on improving survivor-centred, rights-based approaches to handling GBV cases across both formal and informal justice systems.

Speaking during the session, Amnesty International’s Programmes Manager, Barbara Shitnaan Magaji, said the initiative aimed at equipping legal practitioners to play a dual role in prevention and response.

She noted that the high population and crime rate in Kano make it imperative to strengthen legal interventions, particularly as GBV cases continue to surge.

Magaji said, “We are engaging lawyers not only as responders within the criminal justice system but also as key actors in preventing gender-based violence through awareness and community-level interventions.”

She identified access to legal services as a major challenge, stressing the need for increased pro bono representation and stronger referral pathways for survivors.

Magaji also underscored the importance of timely reporting and proper evidence gathering, warning that delays—especially beyond the 72-hour window in rape cases—often weaken prosecution.

On her part, Chairperson of FIDA Kano, Salma Dambappa, described the GBV situation in the state as “alarming,” disclosing that prevalence among women stands at 47.9 per cent.

According to her, the figure signals a potential spike in violent crimes if urgent action is not taken.

She said, “The statistics are disturbing. Nearly half of the women in Kano have experienced one form of violence or another. This is a clear danger signal.”

Dambappa attributed the trend to weak legal frameworks and poor implementation, noting that Kano is yet to domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015.

She added that the continued reliance on the Penal Code, last reviewed in 2004, has limited the scope of justice for survivors.

The FIDA chair also highlighted gaps in awareness of existing laws, including the Kano State Child Protection Law 2023, as well as the absence of fully operational family courts to handle child-related cases. She further revealed that violence against children remains widespread, with prevalence estimated at between 87.9 and 89 per cent.

Dambappa called for the establishment of functional family courts, improved legal awareness, and the deployment of data systems such as a Sexual Offenders Database to track convictions and deter repeat offences.

Meanwhile, participants at the training expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among civil society organisations, legal practitioners, and government agencies would enhance access to justice and strengthen the fight against GBV in the state.