By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Habiba Dangana Foundation, also known as Hadis Foundation, has trained community vanguards on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Kaduna state.
The training session, which brought together stakeholders from various communities in Kaduna metropolis, Southern Kaduna, Northern Kaduna, and Zaria, aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to report SGBV cases to appropriate authorities for action.
Speaking during the training session, Malama Aisha Adamu Modibbo, Programme Officer of Hadis Foundation, said the organisation targeted community leaders, organisations, and associations within Kaduna State, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kekenapep, Okada Men’s Association, Principals Association, Market Women and Farmers Association, and people with disabilities.
“We want them to have awareness of sexual and gender-based violence so that they will know how to respond to it; they will know where to refer cases after having a case on it within their community. So that is our own end goal,” she said.
In her presentation, Barrister Ayiku Thomas noted that SGBV is a significant human rights violation that affects individuals, particularly women and girls.
She highlighted various forms of SGBV, including sexual violence, physical and psychological violence, harmful traditional practices, economic abuse, and online gender-based violence.
Thomas emphasised that SGBV has severe and far-reaching consequences, including physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences, for both survivors and perpetrators.
The training also explored the causes of SGBV, including patriarchal societies, reporting barriers, lack of awareness, and conflict-related violence.
Thomas noted that efforts to combat SGBV include government and non-government initiatives, legislative actions, community-based programmes, and support for survivors.
The Kaduna State Government’s establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law were cited as examples of initiatives aimed at protecting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
Barrister Bukola Ajao, Chairperson of the Coalition against SGBV, emphasised the importance of community vanguards in preventing and responding to SGBV cases.
She urged participants to set up groups in their communities where people can report SGBV cases and assured them of support from service providers, including free legal services from organisations such as Legal Aid and the Kaduna State Civil Society Coalition against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Barrister Ajao also stressed the need for community vanguards to listen to survivors and provide them with the necessary support, rather than taking decisions on their behalf.
She emphasised the importance of reporting SGBV cases to the police, especially in cases of rape, and sensitising communities on how to make timely reports.
The training also highlighted the need for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for spousal issues that do not involve life-threatening injuries.
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