Writing By Shindong Bala; Editing By Godwin Duru
A civil society organization, Gender Awareness Trust GAT, has identified Christian stakeholders and engaged them for a collective action against gender based violence in Kaduna and Katsina States.
Executive Director of the organization Dr. Lydia Umar stated this at a stakeholder mapping and engagement meeting organized in Kaduna with the support of Women Aid Collective Action, WACOL.
Dr. Lydia who lamented the increasing cases of gender based violence in Christian circles , stated that the move was a significant step towards building safer and equitable communities where women and girls can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination.
She emphasized that the overall goal of the project is to increase awareness and strengthen the capacity of Christian and women leaders on modalities to prevent and respond to the violations.
“This meeting provides us with an opportunity to bring together critical voices-faith leaders, cultural custodians, community influencers, and advocates-whose guidance and commitment are essential in shaping the success of this project. As we begin, we will engage in discussions aimed at mapping key stakeholders, deepening our understanding of community contexts, and identifying practical pathways for collaboration. The overall goal of this project is to increase awareness and strengthen the capacity of Christian women leaders and women leaders of culture to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.”
A participant who is also the Bajju Ambassador , Mrs. Mary Aruwan said many women are dying in silence, stressing that the project by GAT will assist in breaking the culture of silence and eventual solutions to GBV issues.
A traditional leader and chief of Unguwan Maichibi Television Community in Kaduna , Mr. Yakubu Audu Batuk reminded participants that victims of gender based violence was not limited to women only as some men have suffered similar situation.
He emphasized the need to transform people’s mindset to understanding GBV and how to avoid it.
Also speaking, Reverend Father Emmanuel Madaki of Saint Matthews Catholic Church Television Kaduna, agreed that there has been increased cases of GBV in Nigeria society and emphasized the need to amplify local voices, challenge harmful social norms, and promote positive cultural and faith-based values that uphold the dignity and safety of every woman and girl.
Beneficiaries of the first phase of the project which last for 2 years are drawn from Batagarawa and Sabon Layi communities in Katsian State, as well as Zonkwa and Television communities in Kaduna State.
Cov/Shindong Bala
