CITAD Stresses Need To Address GBV Menace
By Ozumi Abdul
AREWA AGENDA – The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has stressed the need to address the menace of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
CITAD gender officer, Zainab Aminu, made this known during a press conference on Thursday in Kano, while speaking with journalists.
Zainab stressed that GBV is a violation of human rights and a significant obstacle to National Development, It said has devastating consequences for individuals, families, communities, and the country as a whole.
She then reeled out the statistical cases of GBV cases recorded in the recent months, while also proffering recommendations on how the menace can be tacked to a standstill.
“Today, we will share with you our findings, recommendations, and call to action to address GBV and promote a safe society for everyone. Thank you for joining us.
“For the month of February, our GBV monitoring App (CITAD GBV APP) received a total of 57 reported cases of GBV. Of these cases, 14 were rape, with 6 female victims and 1 male victim, 21 were sexual harassment, 22 were sexual abuse, 2 were online harassment, 1 was sexual blackmail, and 4 were wife battering”.
It also call on the government to educate people about the different forms of GBV, its prevalence, and its negative impact on individuals and society as a whole.
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The CITAD to shot also charged them to use various communication channels to reach as many people as possible, and to also establish and provide accessible and responsive services for GBV survivors, including counseling, medical and legal assistance, and shelters.
She also called on the government to enforce laws and policies that protect the rights of women and girls and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Also,she enjoined men and boys to join in the fight against GBV, as they have a crucial role to play in promoting gender equality and changing harmful social norms and attitudes.
“Prevent GBV by addressing its root causes, such as gender inequality, poverty, and harmful social norms. This includes investing in education, economic empowerment, and community-based interventions.
“We also call on individuals to speak out and take action:
Speak out against GBV and take action to stop it in your personal and professional life. This includes challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy and legal reforms.
“The call to action is for all individuals, communities, civil society organizations, and governments to work together to end GBV. We must all take responsibility and do our part to create a safe and equal society for everyone, free from violence and discrimination.
” Individuals and local communities must be vigilant and respond promptly by alerting relevant security services when they suspect that someone is a victim of violence. We must all understand that GBV not only has negative consequences for women and girls but also for their families, communities, and countries as a whole.
“We urge everyone to take action to stop GBV, and call on the government to urgently domesticate the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) in the state”, she concluded.
