As civil society groups prepare for next week's Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), sanctioned by UN Women, the Women’s Health Empowerment and Emancipation Initiative (WHEEI), alongside other local working groups in Kano State, is raising awareness about the ongoing cases of GBV in the region.
The activities of WHEEI will run from the 25th day of November to the 10th day of December 2024. Our interviews with attendees at a round table discussion in Kano on Monday 18th November 2024, yields these points:
1. Increase in GBV Cases and the Need for Robust Activism
Fatima Muhammad of WHEEI highlighted a rise in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, emphasizing that the solution lies in sustained activism during the Global 16 Days of Activism to raise awareness about the issue.
2. Impact of Lack of Transparency and Accountability in Governance
Musa M. Kaila, an advocate for transparency, pointed out that the lack of transparency and timely release of government funds allocated to GBV interventions exacerbates the issue, hindering efforts to combat violence and support victims.
3. Prevalence of GBV Across Multiple Sectors
Aisha Kabuga is the Kano State Coordinator of the National Council for Child Rights. Aisha shared alarming statistics, revealing over 120 cases of GBV in the state this year alone, spanning homes, schools, Almajiri communities, and other sectors.
4. Overlooked Aspects of GBV in the Workplace
Sunusi Hashim, Executive Director of the Society for Child Support, noted that while much attention is given to GBV in communities, less focus is placed on its occurrence in workplaces, an area that needs more attention.
5. Need for Specialized Support Systems for Survivors
Hajiya Binta Buba is a counselor with the Sexual Assault Referral Centre operating out of Murtala Hospital in kano. She stressed the urgent need to enhance support services for GBV survivors, advocating for capacity building for professionals working with both GBV and HIV cases.
WHEEI’s initiative clearly hopes to achieve sustained activism, improved support systems, and transparent governance which are essential to effectively address and combat GBV in Kano.
