A women-led organisation has called for the establishment of Gender Desk Offices in churches, mosques and community structures across Bauchi State to strengthen the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Speaking during an advocacy engagement in Bauchi, Project Lead WEIN, Justin Nathaniel, said the initiative is designed to amplify the voices of marginalised women who suffer various forms of abuse.
Nathaniel disclosed that the organisation recently conducted a baseline assessment in communities across Bauchi, Dass and Tafawa Balewa LGAs, including Yalwan Tudu, Kulletu-Bundot, Maryam and Dunga, where residents acknowledged the prevalence of GBV but also expressed readiness to collaborate in curbing the menace.
“The findings, though not alarming, indicate that GBV is prevalent. They are also open to interventions that will help curb the situation,” he said.
He explained that WEIN hopes to record a measurable reduction in GBV cases by the end of the project, alongside the integration of GBV messaging into sermons and worship-centre teachings.
He added that the plan also includes the establishment and strengthening of Gender Desk Offices to work closely with security agencies in addressing reported cases.
Nathaniel urged community members to embrace new ideas, speak up against abuse and stop shielding perpetrators.
“If something happens, speak out. Break the silence. Stop harmful traditional practices that enable GBV,” he said.
The Village Head of Maryam, a community in Tafawa Balewa LGA, Kefas Simon, corroborated the concerns, revealing that he had handled multiple GBV cases, including the disturbing rape of a young girl by four boys.
Simon noted that although community leaders and security agencies made efforts to prosecute the suspects, the victim’s parents later withdrew the case for fear of stigma.
“The police tried their best and referred the matter to court, but the parents refused to continue because they feared exposing their daughter. Without the parents’ support, the case could not stand,” he said.
The traditional ruler lamented that such withdrawals embolden offenders and weaken the chances of securing convictions, stressing that justice becomes difficult when key witnesses fail to cooperate.
He appealed to parents and community members to stop covering up GBV cases and support survivors through proper reporting and prosecution, warning that silence only fuels the cycle of abuse.
