By Rabiu Musa

HOTPEN – A Non-Governmental Organization working to Prevent Gender-Based Violence in Kano, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has said that if an end must be brought to gender-based violence in the state there must be a concerted effort of all stakeholders to curb the menace.

The Gender Officer of the Centre, Zainab Aminu, made the call in Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education Kano, during a sensitization lecture organized to commemorate the 2022 International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8 – is a day that commemorates the social, political and economic achievements of women as well as creating awareness on issues that affect women and girls and to proffer solutions to them.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is: “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” This year’s campaign is represented by the #BreakTheBias hashtag and calls on people to work towards a world that is equitable, inclusive, and free from bias and discrimination against women.

Zainab, who congratulated women all over the world on the day, reminded them of the need to use the occasion to create awareness on sexual and gender based violence issues with the aim of finding a lasting solution.

She added that Gender-based violence is a universal problem, and the solution to the problem requires awareness, sensitization and all stakeholders to work together in addressing the problem.

She said, “Violence against young girls and women is a severe human rights abuse. It is driven by both ageism and sexism but also affected by other characteristics such as marital status or having a disability”.

On his part, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Boss, Kano Zonal office reiterated their commitment to collaborate with Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), to raise awareness and fight sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the state.

Abdullahi, expressed the need to advance and sustain the campaign against all sorts of violence against the girl child and identify more partners to be involved in the struggle. He urged parents, religious institutions, community members and the media to encourage victims to speak out on cases of abuse or violence.

Dr. Bashir Sani, who is the Director Guidance and Counseling of the college urged the participants to use the knowledge learned during the session and give same to their communities.

Dr. Sani also commended CITAD for organizing the training, saying, it was timely and they are committed to partnering with the organization towards achieving the common goal.