The International federation of women lawyers (FIDA) Kano chapter, has urged the state government to establish special courts to handle sexual based violence cases as Kano state had recorded over 4,000 cases of rape and defilement of minors from 2016 to date.
Chairperson of the association, Barrister Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim made the assertion while briefing newsmen as part of activities to mark this year’s 16 days of activism for the elimination of violence against women and girls held in NUJ press center, Kano.
According to Barrister Huwaila, from May 2021 to date, Kano state sexual assault referral center had received over 500 rape cases mostly against young children below the age of 13.
She explained that Dala local government has the highest number of rape cases followed by Kumbotso, Nasarawa, Tarauni and other metropolitan local government areas.
The chairperson said the establishment of WARAKA with technical support from Justice for all has contributed immensely to the reduction of rape cases within the state.
“However to be able to reduce if not completely eradicate, the establishment of special courts to handle rape cases of minors would take care of the menace”
Barrister Huwaila pointed out that WARAKA/SARC, in collaboration with Association of free legal service providers and Anti corruption programme, will mark this 16 days activism with series of activities ranging from public sensitization and media campaign.
“The activities includes town hall meetings, where discussions and presentations will be held on how to strengthen SGBV response mechanism with participants drawn from community actors”
25th of November was set aside annually by the global community as the international day for the elimination of violence against women.
This year’s event themed” Orange the world: End violence against women and girls” will run from 25th November to 10 December 2021.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
