Women groups march in southern Kaduna to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Ahmad A. Usman, Kafanchan

Women drawn from Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, including Save the Children and others, on Tuesday marched through major streets of Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, to commemorate the International 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, also known as Orange The World.

The procession, which featured banners and placards bearing advocacy messages against abuse of women and girls, took off from the gate of Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital and proceeded to the palace of the Emir of Jama’a, where the participants held a brief rally to sensitise the public on the dangers and consequences of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Speaking during the event, Manager of Salama SARC, Mrs Grace Yohannah Abbin, said the march was part of activities to mark the 2025 Human Rights Day with special focus on the global theme: Ending Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.

According to her, digital violence is a growing threat as more people, especially young women and girls, engage with social media and other online platforms, noting that the abuse takes different forms, including cyberbullying, online harassment, blackmail, distribution of intimate images without consent, and identity theft, among others.

“In total, there are about 16 different forms of violence that women and girls face, and digital abuse has now become one of the most dangerous,” she said. “We are calling on everyone to speak out, report every incident, and stand against any form of violence. Do not keep silent, and importantly, do not share harmful content online because sharing also helps violence to grow.”

Mrs Abbin appealed to community members, families and religious leaders to take the campaign seriously and ensure that victims are supported and encouraged to seek help rather than being blamed or stigmatised.

She also commended partner organisations such as Save the Children and other stakeholders for their continued support in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, especially in rural communities where many cases go unreported.

The advocacy walk ended with the presentation of awards and certificates of recognition to individuals and organisations said to have contributed significantly to the fight against SGBV in the area.

The recipients were praised for their commitment to protecting vulnerable women and children and for supporting survivors through counselling, legal assistance and medical services.

Responding on behalf of the Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Dr Muhammad Isa Muhammad, who was among the recipients of the awards, the Wakilin Gabas, Alhaji Usman Ibrahim, thanked the organisers for the sensitisation campaign and described the initiative as timely and necessary in addressing sexual and gender-based violence in the society.

He acknowledged the efforts of Salama SARC and its partners in protecting the dignity and rights of women and girls, noting that their work complements the traditional institution’s commitment to promoting peace, justice and moral values in the emirate.

He assured that the Jama’a Emirate Council would continue to support all genuine efforts aimed at confronting SGBV and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.