An NGO, Voices Beyond Silence Initiative (VOBSI), in collaboration with the Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University Kano, and supported by Voices of Women and Women Radio, organized a one-day workshop and launched the Women Radio GBV Reporting Platform.
The event, held over the weekend at the Centre for Gender Studies, Bayero University, Kano, was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in 2024.
In her opening remarks, VOBSI founder Mariya Shuaibu Sulaiman highlighted the workshop’s goal of bringing together stakeholders to address the rising cases of GBV in Kano State and across Nigeria.
Mariya expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of GBV, particularly in Northern Nigeria, with rape cases affecting both genders, including boys. Citing data from Waraka Centre, she revealed that at least 12 boys are raped daily, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Mariya also lamented that victims’ plights are often discussed without concrete action, stressing that VOBSI’s mission is to ensure justice and adequate support for survivors.
She assured participants that recommendations from the workshop would be forwarded to higher authorities to secure justice for victims.
Mrs. Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio, commended Mariya for hosting the event and acknowledged the courage of GBV survivors. She noted that the workshop theme, “Beyond Reporting: Empowering Survivors and Strengthening Support Systems, emphasized the need to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers survivors, holds perpetrators accountable, and challenges harmful societal norms.
Mrs. Sonaiya also called for partnerships among media professionals, CSOs, government agencies, and community leaders to address GBV comprehensively.
Dr. Suleiman Yar’adua, Director of Bayero University Broadcasting Service, described GBV as a societal menace requiring urgent and sustainable action.
He emphasized the importance of sensitizing the public about seeking justice while addressing the fear of stigmatization among survivors.
SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, PPRO of the Kano State Police Command, explained that GBV cases are a daily occurrence and require multi-stakeholder collaboration to mitigate the issue.
He highlighted the police’s efforts, including establishing specialized GBV units and training personnel, particularly women, to handle such cases with sensitivity.
Abdullahi Shehu, Human Rights Coordinator in Kano State, revealed that GBV is widespread in Kano, particularly affecting women and children in matrimonial homes.
Shehu added that beyond rape, other forms of violence, such as neglect of family responsibilities, also impact women and children emotionally and psychologically.
He disclosed that the Human Rights office in Kano has received 1,600 SGBV-related complaints in 2024, marking a 5-6% increase compared to 2023.
Prime Time News