Kaduna records 30% rise in gender-based violence
Kaduna State has recorded over 1,259 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) as of November 2024, a 30% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services and Social Development. This alarming trend highlights the growing challenge of GBV in northern Nigeria, with neighbouring Kano State reporting 244 cases in 2023.
This rise was a central focus at a meeting of Women Muslim Preachers from Kano and Kaduna states, held in Kaduna during the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV. Organised by the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in collaboration with Bayero University Kano’s Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith and supported by the Ford Foundation, the event aimed to tackle harmful cultural norms perpetuating violence against women and girls.
Dr Taufiq Abubakar, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith, emphasised the influential role of Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) in addressing GBV through Islamic teachings. The MOLs project, which included a Peer-to-Peer Study Tour to Egypt and engagements with institutions like Al-Azhar University and the Grand Mufti, is designed to equip Da’awah leaders with tools to promote peaceful and respectful practices within communities.
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Mal. Ahmad Abdullahi Ahmad, the project coordinator, explained how participants were trained to use Qur’anic verses and Hadith to foster dialogue and advocacy for women’s protection. “Integrating Islamic principles into GBV prevention strategies will drive community-wide change,” he stated.
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger collaborations between faith leaders and community influencers to combat GBV and protect vulnerable groups.
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