Traditional and religious leaders in Niger State have pledged to work together to reduce the alarming rate of Gender-Based Violence, GBV, in their communities in the state.
This commitment was made during a two-day training organized by Partners West Africa Nigeria, PWAN, in Minna on GBV, where leaders from Bida, Lapai, Kontagora and Suleja local government areas acknowledged the need for stiff legislation to punish offenders.
Participants expressed their commitment to eradicating GBV, such as rape, domestic, emotional and financial violence and sodomy among others, citing the need for laws that would adequately punish offenders.
Decrying the rising level of GBV in the state and the lack of law to adequately punish offenders, the gathering stated that all hands must be on deck to tackle the menace by engaging stakeholders at various levels to come up with adequate punishment.
Rev Audu Ndako, CAN Coordinator for Bida Local Government, described the training as impactful, stating that the knowledge acquired would help marriages and communities address issues of violence.
Hamidu Jibrin Lapai, the Indakitabo of Lapai emirate emphasized the importance of working together to create a violence-free society, acknowledging that GBV affects both men and women.
Bashir Shawai a community leader representing Kontagora Emirate in the 1Kontagora local government area noted that the training is apt saying, ” My emirate has two social platforms for creating awareness on GBV and a sensitization committee in place made up of community and religious leaders, judges, civil defence amongst others.
The PWAN Program Officer in Niger State, Nana Hauwa Isah, who highlighted the influence of traditional and religious leaders in shaping norms and attitudes called on them to use their platforms to challenge harmful traditions and stigmas that perpetuate violence.
She noted that the training hopes to equip traditional and religious leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to address GBV in their communities.
According to her, ” The workshop is a call to action to use their influence and platforms to challenge the harmful tradition, stigmas and silences that perpetuate violence. It is also a call to stand as champions of justice, fairness and humanity in your communities “.
