Lukman Abdulmalik
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kano State Branch says increased awareness is central to reducing the menace of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kano.
FIDA disclosed this on Wednesday during a ‘Community Action Planning and Commitments on Engagigng Men and Boys in Ending SGBV’ organized by African Focus for Youth Development (AFFYD), in collaboration with FIDA as a part of its 2024 activity for the 16 days of activism with the theme “Time to Act Now: UNITE to End Violence against Women.”
The event was supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
Speaking with Stallion Times reporter at Tahir Guest Palace, the FIDA Chairperson in Kano, Bilkisu Ibrahim Suleiman, said: “The event was about commemoration of the 16-day of activism which started on 22nd November in Abuja at the national level.
“The activism engages with traditional, Civil Society Organizations, religious leaders, and the Media to discuss sensitizing the public about GBV.”
She said people misunderstood GBV by restricting the issue of only rape.
“However, GBV is becoming too rampant in our society, causing serious tension within families, domestic violence, at work, at the early stage, and abuse of children.
‘So we are trying to sensitize the public about what is even gender-based violence and what are the ways that we can mitigate it.
“It is not possible to eradicate it, that is why FIDA is making efforts to reduce the occurrences of GBV in society.”
Last year, FIDA’s activism centered on using technology to advance the rights of women and children towards eradicating GBV.
This year, it concentrated on uniting and taking action to end the menace of GBV.
Stallion Times reports that the 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments and call for accountability and action from decision-makers.
