By Mustapha Salisu
The Habiba Dangana Foundation (Hadis), a non-governmental organization, has organized a Community Vanguard Training for relevant stakeholders in Kano State as part of its efforts to prevent Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
The training, themed “Pathways to Inclusive Justice,” was held today at Mambayya House Kano, under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, with support from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the European Union (EU).
PRIME TIME NEWS gathered that the training aims to curb SGBV by sensitizing community leaders, such as market women, artisans, traditional, and religious figures on existing laws against gender-based violence and the need for collective action to end such practices.
Also speaking during the session, Maryam Salihu, Programme Officer at Hadis Foundation, explained that although the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law exists in Nigeria, it has yet to be domesticated in Kano State, adding that the Foundation is advocating for its adoption.
She emphasized the vital role of community collaboration in achieving justice, noting that collective engagement strengthens advocacy.
“Communities best understand their own challenges and are capable of finding solutions. Today, over 70 associations and NGOs from Kano State’s three geopolitical zones are participating to amplify their voices,” she stated.
Maryam also stressed the importance of government involvement and enforcement of the VAPP Law as a deterrent to offenders. She highlighted the National Sexual Offender Database (NSOD) as an essential tool for tracking convicted offenders and preventing their employment in sensitive roles.
Also speaking, Rashida Usman Mahmud, Chief Operating Officer at Hadis Foundation, said leaders of various associations are expected to take the message back to their communities, integrate SGBV prevention into their regular meetings, and ensure proper case reporting through appropriate referral channels.
She revealed that the Foundation has developed a sustainability plan, which includes participation in monthly meetings, continuous follow-ups, and consistent monitoring through emails, radio programs, and community visits.
Rashida further appealed to the state government to collaborate in providing adequate medical, legal, and other essential support for survivors at the Waraka Center, noting the current lack of drugs and medical assistance.
In his remarks, Aliyu Salihu, Centre Manager of Hadis Foundation, described the initiative as a “training of trainers” program designed to empower participants to promote SGBV prevention, raise awareness, and strengthen referral systems within their communities.
He added that beyond faith-based and market women’s associations, the initiative also targets secondary school students, who are often among the most vulnerable.
According to him, similar initiatives have been successfully implemented in Kaduna and Kwara States to ensure broader inclusion and sustainability in addressing SGBV.
Hajiya Hauwa Ahmad Tarauni, President of Mata Zalla Entrepreneurs, an association of female tricycle (Keke Napep) operators in Kano, shared how women operators experience harassment from male counterparts.
She said her association is collaborating with the Keke Napep union and the Hisbah Board to ensure the safety of women in the business.
She also pledged to cascade the knowledge gained from the training to members of her association and ensure the message reaches the grassroots until SGBV is completely eradicated in the state.
Aslo speaking at the event, Alh. Ibrahim Salisu Maude, Sarkin Marafan, Sarkin Tsakar Gida, urged members of the public, particularly women, to remain vigilant and to implement expert recommendations on preventing SGBV, expressing optimism that such collective efforts would significantly reduce the menace in society.
