Center for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), says it received 66 cases of gender based violence, in the month of October 2022.
CITAD gender officer, Hajiya Zainab Aminu made the indication, during a monthly briefing on gender based violence held in Kano.
According to her, out of the sixty six cases, four are rape related , twenty on sexual abuse, six online harassments, two sexual blackmail and four wife battering while sexual harassment constitute the highest percentage with thirty cases.
Zainab Aminu stressed that, it is important for families to understand that gender based violence not only have negative consequences on women and girls but socio economic as well .
She highlighted that, rape and other forms of gender-based violence inflict huge economic, political and social losses to individuals, households, and nation-states, and continue to be an obstacle to achieving equity, development, peace as well as to the fulfillment of women and girls’ human rights.
“In order to end rape and other forms of gender-based violence, we must invest in prevention, by addressing the root causes of the problem. We must ensure that those who commit rape are brought to justice and thus end impunity”
She pointed out that, CSOs and the government were committed to ending all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence.
The CITAD gender officer regretted the rise in cases of rape, sexual harassment affecting thousands of women and girls over their lifetimes.
While commending the state government, for making notable progress in addressing gender based violence, she reaffirmed CITAD’S commitment in working with relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the private sector, to support the Government to make a much faster progress in this area.
Zainab Aminu charged government, to map out policies and programs, aimed at promoting zero tolerance for violence against women and children.
The gender officer called on individuals, and communities to be vigilant by understanding what is happening in the neighborhood, and promptly alerting relevant security agencies on cases of gender based violence.
“Citizens should advocate for combating gender based violence to become governmental priority “
Radio Nigeria reports that, in 2022 the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), in conjunction with the Ford Foundation lunched a unique Web Page and Android Application to monitor and report cases of gender-based violence in Kano.
The Web Page and Android Application aimed to create a comprehensive database on gender-based violence hotspots across Kano state, particularly in public schools, so that women and girls can plan safer education for themselves and their loved ones.
KHADIJAH ALIYU