Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the government and other stakeholders to consider urgent domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.
The centre said it recorded 57 cases of gender based violence in February through its GBV monitoring App (CITAD GBV APP).
The gender officer of the centre, Zainab Aminu, at a press conference said 14 of the cases were rape, with six female victims and 1 male victim, while 21 were sexual harassment.
Further breakdown of the statistics shows that 22 of the cases were sexual abuse, two online harassment, one was sexual blackmail, and four were wife battering.
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Aminu warned that GBV is a violation of human rights and a significant obstacle to national development which has devastating consequences for individuals, families, communities, and the country as a whole.
CITAD called on the government to educate people about the different forms of GBV, its prevalence, and its negative impact on individuals and society as a whole.
“They should use various communication channels to reach as many people as possible. Establish and provide accessible and responsive services for GBV survivors, including counseling, medical and legal assistance, and shelters.
“The government must enforce laws and policies that protect the rights of women and girls and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Engage men and boys in the fight against GBV, as they have a crucial role to play in promoting gender equality and changing harmful social norms and attitudes. Prevent GBV by addressing its root causes, such as gender inequality, poverty, and harmful social norms. This includes investing in education, economic empowerment, and community-based interventions.”
It also called on individuals to speak out and take action.
“Speak out against GBV and take action to stop it in your personal and professional life. This includes challenging harmful attitudes and behaviors, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy and legal reforms.
“The call to action is for all individuals, communities, civil society organizations, and governments to work together to end GBV,” Aminu added.
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