Islamic scholars decry rising sexual, gender violence in North
Islamic scholars from Northern Nigeria convened at the weekend, to address the rising incidents of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the region.
At a workshop, themed ‘Transforming Muslim Opinion Leaders(MoLs), as Champions for GBV’, organised by the development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) in collaboration with the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith, Bayero University Kano and the Ford Foundation, the leaders said addressing the scourge was urgent to stem increasing cases.
Convener of the meeting and Executive Director of dRPC, Dr Judith-Ann Walker, emphasised the urgency of the matter, noting that despite various efforts, GBV cases continue to rise in the region.
Represented by the Director of Projects, Dr Stanley Ukpai, the convener submitted: “Data from the Kano State Referral Centre revealed over 1,334 recorded cases of GBV in the last five years, with 671 cases reported in July alone.
“Gender-based violence is in many ways entrenched in not just our culture but traditional practices, and untangling that process takes a while and this is why agents of change like religious and traditional leaders have key roles to play.”
The project’s goal according to her, is to prevent GBV by leveraging the influence of Islamic scholars and traditional leaders to mobilise communities.
The coordinator of the Muslim Opinion Leaders Project, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi Ahmad, stated that “the initiative seeks to empower Islamic leaders to combat GBV, referencing insights gained from collaborations with scholars in Egypt.”
Dr Taufiq Abubakar from Bayero University underscored the necessity of integrating Islamic teachings to address GBV effectively and pledged to enhance the capabilities of scholars to tackle the issue.
He encouraged participants to develop actionable strategies informed by discussions at the workshop.
Reiterating the commitment of Islamic clerics and other traditional leaders to fighting GBV’, the District Head of Gagi in Sokoto State, Sani Umar Jabbi, highlighted the significance of approaching GBV from an Islamic perspective, suggesting that it was an essential element overlooked in past interventions.
He said: “Gender-based violence is harmful, it must be identified as harmful and avoided.
“Traditional and religious leaders are the custodians of traditions and customs, so our ultimate aim is to ensure we bridge the gaps between the institutions fighting GBV, that is the government and other partners.”
The gathering made up of influential clerics from Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Zamfara states was to create pathways towards ending the menace.
Related
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.