The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), has described the establishment of courts and more sexual assault referral centres (SARC) in Kano as a major catalyst in curtailing gender-based violence and other related offences.
The chairperson of FIDA Kano Barrister Bilkisu Ibrahim Sulaiman made the indication during an event to commemorate International Women’s Day ( IWD), held in Kano.
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According to her, Kano state has only one sexual assault referral centre at Murtala Muhammad specialist hospital called WARAKA where victims of rape and sexual assault are referred for evaluation.
She pointed out that, rape and GBV are treated before magistrate courts thereby prolonging prosecution which leads to the withdrawal or abandonment of cases by survivors or parents of victims.
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Bilkisu stressed that FIDA had met with the state chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki on the need to establish special courts for rape and gender violence (GBV) cases.
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She urged the government, Kano State House of Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to ensure speedy implementation and domestication of the Right Child Act to achieve the desired objectives.
“Celebrating the success of women and discussing challenges encountered by women”
The treasurer of FIDA Kano Barrister Hauwa Abba Musa pointed out that they were gathered to ponder on women’s problems.
She said societal problems, poverty, and inadequate SARC centres play a vital role in the lack of logical conclusions in cases.
The treasurer charged CSOs to collaborate and engage in a rigorous campaign to mitigate the scourge across the state.
A lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University and researcher at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Wajiha Abdullahi Muazu advocated for women’s empowerment to make them self-reliant.
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She highlighted that, training women and encouraging them to plant vegetables and fruits in their homes, which would improve nutrition and livelihood.
Paradigm news reports that the event was organized by FIDA in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs with support from SHF-ICHSSA3.