A non-governmental Organization, Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) under its Preventing Gender-Based Violence Project says a robust reporting system is crucial to tackling gender-based violence in Kaduna State.
Executive Director of the AMDF, Mr. Iliya Kure stated this during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Hajia Hafsat Mohammed Baba in Kaduna.
He said the visit was to officially introduce the project to the Commissioner and seek government’s commitment to consolidate its support in preventing gender-based violence in the state.
”We are also establishing a system in the community which we will strengthen around reporting cases; where community people on their own can start reporting cases against the norm of covering up because certain community members are involved”.
”the project engages community volunteers to sensitize people in the community on issues of violence against women and girls, as well as the VAPP law. Secondly, they should be reporting issues which in some cases are domestic or that of female circumcision”.
Mr. Iliya Kure who commended the effort of the Ministry in tackling Gender-based violence noted that most communities were unaware of the existence of Violence Against Person Prohibition Law, VAPP.
The AMDF Executive Director attributed this to low sensitization which must be proactively addressed.
In her remarks, the Commissioner of Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Hafsat Mohammed Baba, appreciated the contributions of AMDF towards preventing GBV in the state, noting that it is one of the key issues that concerns the State Government and other key partners.
The Commissioner who acknowledged the low level of knowledge of the existing VAPP law among residents called on relevant organizations to support government’s effort in creating awareness on the existence of the law and efforts to tackle GBV.
“though VAPP law is in existence, we still have a lot to do. I agree that there is a gap in terms of people knowing and even believing in the existence of the VAPP Law. This is a huge gap because of the level of literacy, and also lack of constant community engagement. But as you all know, the government cannot do it alone, that is where we need organizations like yours to support government’s effort”.
She applauded the involvement of community volunteers in the AMDF project, noting that as members of these communities, the volunteers will work towards adding value to their communities.
“We are in support of the work you are doing, we believe it will go a long way in reducing the cases of GBV we have in the state.”
The Project titled: Advocating for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence is being implemented by AMDF with support from Rise Up, a project of Public Health Institute, John Hopkins University, USA.
Godwin Duru