‘Why Kaduna sex offenders’ register should be publicised’

Stakeholders working on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) have called on the Kaduna State government to make its sex offenders register public, to alert communities of perpetrators among them.

This is as International Alert (IA), in partnership with Global Peace Development (GPD) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), expressed concerns over the increase in the recorded cases of SGBV in the state.

Already, Kaduna has a couple of recent laws, including the Gender Equity and Social Inclusive (GESI) Policy, Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and Child Welfare and Protection Law, to punish offenders and reward survivors or victims.

Opening the discussion at a sensitisation workshop on addressing harmful cultural norms and practices that promote SGBV themed ‘Legal and Social Protection of Women and Girls Against Gender-Based Violence, Chairperson of FIDA in the state, Aisha Mohammed, called on the state to declare emergency on SGBV.

She noted that her organisation had been leading the campaign for the protection, promotion and preservation of the rights and interests of women and children in Nigeria, even as there seems not to be any headway.

“We are not saying that some women are not culprits in this, but the ratio compared to the men is quite negligible. FIDA, from now, is going to sensitise the men more than the women, so that we can send out the message to them and hope it reduces the trend,” she said.

Country Director, IA, Paul Nyulaku, remarked that the workshop signified an important stride forward in the bid to confront and eradicate the cultural practices that underpin SGBV in the communities.

The director, who was represented by the Programme Manager, Anicetus Atakpu, appreciated the Kaduna chapter of FIDA for its unwavering support in organising the event, disclosing that the workshop was also made possible through funding from the United Kingdom (UK) government under the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF).

The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sule Shauibu, reaffirmed the commitment of Kaduna government to support the fight against any GBV.