The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has led Kano State’s official flag-off of the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), launching a renewed call for collective action against all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The event, hosted at BON Hotel, was organized by NAPTIP’s Kano Zonal Command in collaboration with the Kano State Government and IDEA, drawing government officials, civil society actors, development partners, media representatives, and other critical stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Abdullahi Babale, Commander of NAPTIP’s Kano Zonal Command, described the global campaign as “a powerful reminder that sexual and gender-based violence remains a grave human rights violation that undermines public safety and sustainable development.”
He stressed that NAPTIP is deepening its engagement with state institutions, lawmakers, civil society, and the media to scale up prevention efforts, ensure survivor-centered response systems, and strengthen justice mechanisms.
Babale commended the Kano State House of Assembly for its ongoing work to harmonize the Penal Code with the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, noting that the alignment will mark “a major step in solidifying the state’s legal and institutional capacity to combat SGBV.”
He outlined priority areas including prevention, mass awareness campaigns, early reporting systems, improved survivor services, and robust accountability processes.
Also speaking at the event, Muhammad Mashi, State Coordinator of NACTAL, underscored the urgency of passing the long-pending Child Protection Law, now integrated into the penal code and awaiting legislative approval.
He revealed that more than 2,000 cases of violence had been reported across the state in recent years, stressing the need for decisive legislative measures to safeguard children, women, and families.
Representing the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jubril Ismail Falgore, the Speaker’s representative acknowledged the strengthening partnership between the legislature and civil society.
He noted that such collaboration, once seen as unlikely, is now central to the Assembly’s legislative processes.
He encouraged stakeholders to formally submit their recommendations for legislative consideration.
The Head of NAPTIP’s Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Unit in Kano highlighted the necessity of a multi-agency coalition, emphasizing that “no single institution can confront the scale and complexity of SGBV alone.”
Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, she explained the emotional, psychological, and social burden carried by survivors, as well as persistent cultural and institutional barriers.
She called for stronger alliances, efficient referral pathways, and enhanced use of technology for advocacy, reporting, and communication.
She urged stakeholders to sustain their commitment beyond the 16-day campaign, emphasizing that combating SGBV is a long-term shared responsibility.
The event also featured awards, recognitions, and testimonials from survivors, offering a platform to celebrate contributions and amplify voices at the forefront of the fight against gender-based violence in Kano State.
