Kaduna State joined the global campaign against gender-based violence with a strong focus on technology-facilitated abuse as the Centre for Study and Resolution of Domestic Violence (CERSDOV) led a community sensitisation walk in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area, as part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The 16 Days of Activism, observed globally from November 25 to December 10, continues to serve as a rallying point for renewed commitment toward eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls both offline and in the rapidly expanding digital space.
The Kaduna community walk reflects a growing recognition that as technology evolves, advocacy and protection mechanisms must also adapt to confront emerging forms of abuse.
Leading the advocacy was the Founder of CERSDOV, Professor Hauwa’u H. Yusuf, who disclosed that the campaign was aimed at drawing public attention to the growing dangers of technology-enabled gender-based violence, including cyberstalking, online harassment, image-based abuse, and other digital violations.
According to her, the walk was designed not just as a symbolic action but as a direct community engagement effort to educate residents on how digital tools are increasingly being used to perpetrate abuse and how such acts can be prevented.
Professor Hauwa’u noted that the initiative was carried out in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and supported by key partners including the International Centre for Advocacy (ICA), e-CAPH, Babajo Foundation, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
“As we walk through this community, we are carrying critical information to enlighten the people on the dangers of technologically facilitated gender-based violence.
“We want this menace to end, and we are committed to putting in all our strength to ensure that it does,” she said.
Residents were engaged with awareness materials and interactive education on digital safety, responsible technology use, and reporting channels for victims of online and offline abuse.
The presence of correctional services officers further reinforced the legal consequences of gender-based violence.
Middle-Belt Times 