BY NONYE JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
A Non-governmental organization, International Alert in collaboration with International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) have sensitised Kaduna residents on addressing harmful cultural norms and practices that promote Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
The Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, Paul Nyulaku during the sensitization exercise yesterday in Kaduna explained that the workshop signifies a significant stride forward in joint commitment to confront and eradicate the cultural norms and practices that underpin SGBV in our communities.
Nyulaku who was represented by Program Manager, Anicetus Atakpu said “this initiative is a crucial part of our ongoing project titled “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice, and Accountability in North-West Nigeria: Samun Adalchi Shine Kwanciyar Hankali
(Achieving Justice Promotes Stability).
“This project is dedicated to supporting stabilization, local justice, and the prevention of SGBV by fostering inclusivity, accountability, and conflict
management to reduce violence in Zamfara and Kaduna States. Our approach involves inclusive participation of community groups in alternative dispute resolution and local justice initiatives, building community capacities to resolve both historical
and emerging disputes.
“It ensures that local justice mechanisms are inclusive, providing
opportunities for survivors and marginalized groups to seek redress and actively engage in decision-making processes. Additionally, it empowers marginalized groups, including women and their leaders, as well as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to amplify their voices and
advocate for the resolution of their concerns.
“Importantly, we aim to create a supportive environment for women and other vulnerable groups by addressing and preventing SGBV”.
During his goodwill message, the Commissioner, Kaduna State Ministry of Justice and attorney general of the State, Barr. Suleiman Shu’aibu disclosed that the State governor, Uba Sani has zero tolerance for SGBV.
He said “I assure you that Kaduna State government will fight to the last any SGBV, the governor has zero tolerance for SGBV especially violence against women and children”.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)Kaduna State Chapter, Aisha Abdu Muhammad noted that FIDA has always been at the forefront in the fight for the protection, promotion and preservation of the right and interest of women and children in Nigeria.
She urged Kaduna State government to do more in fighting SGBV in order to have a safe society, adding that stakeholders must be involved in curbing the menace.
