Stakeholders in Jigawa State have expressed serious concern over the increasing cases of gender-based violence (GBV), describing the trend as alarming and a growing threat to the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of women and girls.

The concerns were raised during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in collaboration with the Male Feminist Network (MFN), with support from the Ford Foundation through the Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (Centre-LSD). The meeting was held on Wednesday at True Run Plaza, Dutse.

Participants identified poverty and illiteracy as key drivers of gender-based violence in the state, while noting that men contribute significantly to the problem through neglect of their responsibilities within the family.

There is a need for proper counseling for men before marriage so they can fully understand their responsibilities as husbands,” one of the participants said.
“This will go a long way in reducing gender-based violence, much of which stems from family breakdowns and divorce.”

The stakeholders emphasized that both Islam and Christianity promote the protection of women and children, who are most often the victims of GBV.

They called on religious leaders—imams and pastors alike—to regularly address gender-based violence in their sermons and teachings, in order to enlighten men about the moral and religious consequences of such acts.

“Our faith leaders have a vital role to play in reshaping attitudes. Religious messages can help reduce violence and promote respect within families,” they noted.

The stakeholders also urged the Jigawa State Government to ensure the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) to curb violence in both private and public life.

In his welcome remarks, Muhammad Sani Sa’idu, Project Officer with the Male Feminist Network (MFN), explained that the engagement—titled “Men as Protectors, Not Perpetrators: Promoting Faith, Culture, and Justice to End Gender-Based Violence”—was aimed at encouraging men to become advocates for women’s safety.

According to Sa’idu, men who are meant to serve as protectors have, in many cases, become perpetrators of gender-based violence, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, education, and accountability at all levels.

Stakeholders Raise Alarm Over Rising Gender-Based Violence in Jigawa

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