By Hafsat usman ukissa
The All Women Leaders Network of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Network of Women with Disabilities and CANET, has held a community awareness walk in Barnawa, Kaduna State, to sensitise residents on gender-based violence (GBV).
The awareness walk, held on Friday, September 25, 2026, focused on the need to prevent gender-based violence and encourage victims and witnesses to speak up and seek help.
Speaking during an interview after the walk, the lead of the organisation, Mrs. Rifkatu Bago, said the initiative was aimed at drawing attention to the prevalence of gender-based violence and informing people about available support for victims.
She said many victims remain silent because of fear that speaking out could lead to rejection or abandonment.
According to her, gender-based violence can affect women, men and children and may occur in different settings, including schools, religious schools, markets, homes and within marriages.
“We came out today to let people know that gender-based violence happens and that there are consequences under the law for perpetrators,” she said.
Bago also urged victims not to remain silent, stressing that they should seek medical attention and report cases to the appropriate authorities.
She called on communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media to play active roles in preventing and responding to cases of gender-based violence.
According to her, the organisation has been engaging media organisations, traditional institutions and religious leaders to ensure that cases are properly handled and victims receive appropriate support.
She advised that victims of sexual or physical violence should be taken to hospital for proper medical examination and care, noting that medical documentation may also be important when seeking justice.
Bago said victims can access support through designated centres in Kaduna State, including Yusuf Dantsoho Hospital, Gwamna Awan Hospital, Zaria and Kafanchan, while a hotline is also available for people seeking assistance from the organisation.
She further emphasised that combating gender-based violence should not be left to organisations alone, urging members of the public to adopt the principle of “if you see something, say something.”
“This fight involves everyone, not only the victims. If you see something, say something. Do not keep quiet,” she said.
Bago also called on other organisations with the capacity to support GBV prevention and response to join the campaign and strengthen efforts to protect victims and promote safer communities.
