Centre For Information Technology and Development (CITAD),has identified gender based violence (GBV), as a violation of human rights.
CITAD’s gender officer, Hajiya Zainab Aminu made the assertion while briefing newsmen in Kano.
According to her, GBV serves as a significant obstacle to national development, that has devastating consequences on individuals, families, communities, and the country in general.
She highlighted that in February 2023, CITAD gender based violence monitoring app received 57 cases.
The gender officer pointed out that, the reported cases involved 6 females and 1 male victim, out of which 14 were rape, 21 sexual harassment, 22 sexual abuse, 2 online harassment, 1 sexual blackmail, and 4 on wife battering.
Zainab Aminu noted that, available statistics shows that, there is an increase in rape, sexual harassment and abuse, sexual blackmail, wife battery among others .
She stressed the need for, government to use various means of communication, in
educating people about the different forms of GBV, its prevalence, and negative impact on individuals and society.
“Individuals and local communities must be vigilant and respond promptly by alerting relevant security services when they suspect that someone is a victim of violence”
The gender officer noted that, establishment and provision of accessible and responsive services for survivors such as counseling, shelter, medical and legal assistance, would go a long way in curtailing the menace .
She charged government, to enforce laws and policies that would protect the rights of women and children, by holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
“engage men and boys in the fight against GBV, as they have a crucial role to play in promoting gender equality and changing harmful social norms and attitudes”
Zainab Aminu, appealed to government and relevant stakeholders, to prevent GBV by addressing its root causes, such as gender inequality, poverty, and harmful social practices by investing in education, economic empowerment, and community-based interventions.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
