By Rabiu Musa

HOTPEN – A Non-Governmental Organization, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has expressed concern over statistics in Kano which indicated that gender-based violence reigns high in the state.

The organization said the statistics about the increase in gender-based violence in Kano has grown in alarming proportion hence, the need for all hands to be on deck to combat the menace.

The Gender Program Officer of the Center,  Zainab Aminu, raised the concern while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Kano.

According to her, the data collected in the Month of February through Centre’s GBV Mobile App depicts the persistent occurrence of Gender-Based Violence, most especially the high number of sexual harassments.

She said “In comparison with the data obtained in previous months, GBV cases are still being perpetrated”, adding that 15 cases were reported via our GBV App for the month of February which includes Rape, Sexual Harassment, Wife Battering and others”.

“It is in view of this that we urge the state government to adopt laws to protect women and girls, and as well establish Referral Centers and Forensic Centers for victims”

“We would like to commend the efforts of our traditional and religious leaders and all stakeholders in intensifying their effort to create awareness against GBV”.

Zainab further appeals to parents, relatives and others to always report cases either directly to the centre or to other sister NGOs as well as to government agencies such as National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP) or Hisbah.

“GBV strives when we all keep quiet. We cannot win the battle against it unless every perpetrator is brought to the book”.