Pulse.ng : Silence major setback in fight against SGBV- CALPED

By Sani Idris

The Coalition of Associations for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development (CALPED), says silence has killed many people and thrown a major setback in the fight against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).

Mr Stephen Waya, the Head of Gender and Social Inclusion of CALPED, said this on Thursday in Kaduna at a one-day community-based approach to end SGBV in commemoration of the 2023 16 days of activism against SGBV.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that CALPED took the sensitisation campaign against SGBV to the residents of Unguan Kudu, Rigasa, Unguwan Dosa and Mangoron Agwai, where women and adolescent girls were gathered at Unguan Rimi.

The sensitisation campaign, which was in collaboration with the traditional council of ungwan Rimi, has the 2023 theme of the 16 days activism against SGBV as ‘Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls’.

Waya explained that the sensitisation campaign to the women drawn from all the communities was in continuation of CALPED’s effort to change the narrative and challenge misogyny and violence, thereby sustaining awareness about SGBV.

He said it was also a wake up call for improvement of the laws and services that would prevent violence against women in Kaduna State and beyond.

Waya explained that CALPED was scouting for an organic solution to the end of SGBV, which called for their community based approach in tackling the issue.

He urged the women to always speak to people they trust or through their community leadership in unfortunate scenarios, adding that silence is not the solution to the inhumane and ungodly criminal act.

“Silence has killed many women, you must speak up so as for solutions to be found and justice to be made against the perpetrators,”Waya said.

Also sensitising the women, Adejumoke Ozomata, the Programme Support Officer Under SGBV of Hope for Communities and Children Initiative, called for the need for aggressive awareness on the need for survivors of SGBV to open up on the societal menace.

She stressed that it was a collective responsibility for Nigerians to combat the pervasive issue.

Ozomata added that eradicating SGBV required strategic, targeted, and adequately funded interventions from a multi-sectoral approach.

She opined that a designated court would give speedy actions to cases of Gender-Based Violence in Kaduna State.

“A cost action plan provides a roadmap, allocating resources where they are most impactful. It encompasses prevention, protection, and support mechanisms, ensuring a holistic approach to address the root causes and consequences of SGBV.

“The toll of gender-based violence on individuals, families, and societies is immeasurable, affecting mental, physical, and economic well-being. By committing resources to this cause, we invest in a safer, more just world for all.

“Together, let us advocate for the a multi sectoral cost action plan for effective implementation of VAPP Law and a designated court that not only speaks to our aspirations but also ensures a future where every person can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination,” she stated.

She urged the women to ensure proper children’s upbringing, being their children’s friends and inculcate the habit of speaking up in unfortunate cases.

Earlier, Alhaji Shehu Maikatifa, the Traditional Leader of Unguan Rimi, Sabon Gida Low-cost, Kaduna North LGA, said the community approach which is aimed at bringing together more stakeholders into the fight against SGBV was a welcome development.

He urged that all hands must be on deck in fighting the menace, adding that he mediates and sometimes refers to security and law enforcement cases of SGBV almost on a daily basis in his palace.

Maikatifa thanked the organisation for the gesture of hosting the campaign in his community, adding that his followers would benefit immensely from the campaign.

Also speaking on behalf of the women, Mrs Riskatu Ishaq, said they needed SGBV offices to be situated in the communities to ensure easy access to first responders in unfortunate scenarios.

She stated their commitment in the course against the fight of SGBV, adding that they resolved to appoint women leaders in the communities that could reached out to immediately before taking action.(NAN)