CSOs Raise Alarm Over Rising Gender-Based Violence Cases in Zamfara State

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Zamfara State have expressed grave concern over the alarming increase in cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with the number of reported cases rising from 300 to 600 in the first quarter of 2024.

The CSOs Network Against Gender-Based Violence has called on the Zamfara State Government to take urgent action to address the situation, including the establishment of a GBV survivors trust fund and the implementation of the Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) law.

During a recent quarterly review meeting in Gusau, the State Capital, the CSO network identified several factors contributing to the surge in GBV cases, including insecurity and a lack of proper implementation of relevant laws.

They emphasized the need for a strong commitment from stakeholders to combat the scourge effectively.

The Chairman of the Network, Dr. Hashim Ahmed, highlighted the vulnerability of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to GBV and stressed the importance of private sector involvement in funding efforts to address the issue.

The Executive Director of Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), Musa Umar, and the State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Abdullahi Abubakar, both noted the need for capacity building among stakeholders to improve the prosecution of perpetrators and the handling of GBV cases.

The CSOs Network called on the Zamfara State Government to establish a mobile court to deal with GBV issues and implement the VAPP law effectively.

They also urged development partners like International Alert to support capacity building efforts to improve the fight against GBV in the state.

The rising cases of GBV in Zamfara State are a cause for concern, and urgent action is needed to address the root causes and provide support to victims.

It is crucial for the government, civil society organizations, and the private sector to work together to combat this pressing issue and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.