Group argues against SGBV and calls for justice in Zamfara

The marginalised community has been urged to speak out against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) by the non-governmental organisation Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), which has its headquarters in Zamfara State.

At a quarterly review meeting with CSOs, the local community, and security agents in the State, the NGO’s executive director, Musa Umar, made the call in Gusau, the State’s capital.

International Alert, UKAid, and the VAI worked together to plan the gathering.

Traditional and religious leaders, women’s organisations, journalists, security agency officials, CSOs, individuals with special needs, and community members attended the conference.

Umar went on to say that the project aims to increase state-wide stability, victim accountability, and access to justice.

He claimed that the project’s goal was to lessen the amount of violence at the community level by involving all community organisations in alternative dispute resolution.

He exhorted the communities’ marginalised groups to constantly work with the police and report cases of sexual and gender-based violence, or SGBV.

Speaking in her own capacity, Hajiya Amina Baba, the State Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, underlined the need for increased public awareness of the campaign against GBV given its detrimental effects on society.

“It was found that most people are afraid to speak out about SGBV issues; we need to speak up to protect the victims’ access to justice.

“As solicitors working under the FIDA, we provide free services to the GBV victims in ensuring access to justice,” she stated.

Dr. Nafisa Maradun, the state commissioner for women, children, and social development, praised the organisation for setting up the conference in her remarks.

The commissioner emphasised that the ministry would continue to place a high priority on SGBV prevention through the Director of Administration in the department, Hajiya Aina’u Sani.

The Commissioner continued, “We will do all within our power to continue working in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organisations in the fight against SGBV and providing access to justice.