16 Days of Activism: Women Preachers Speak On Islamic Perspective To GBV Prevention
By Hussaina Yakubu
Women preachers from Kano and Kaduna States are exploring Islamic perspectives on gender-based violence (GBV) and the best strategies for mobilising communities to stem the rising GBV cases in Northern Nigeria.
The interaction was to agree on ways to challenge harmful cultural practices and enhance advocacy skills of the participants.
The meeting, holding in Kaduna, is part of the 2024 16 Days of Activism, and is also aimed at integrating Islamic teachings into the fight against GBV.
Already, records from the two states highlighted the alarming statistics on GBV, with Kaduna State Ministry of Human Services posting over 1,259 cases of GBV reported from January to November 2024, representing 30% increase from the figures generated in 2023, while Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs said it recorded 244 cases in 2023.
The meeting, put together by development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC), and Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith, Bayero University, Kano, supported by Ford Foundation, was to check these alarming statistics.
Declaring the meeting open, Dr. Taufiq Abubakar, Director of the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith, highlighted the importance of engaging Muslim Opinion Leaders (MOLs) to address GBV.
He described the MOLs for GBV Prevention Project as an initiative designed to leverage the influence of religious leaders in shaping societal attitudes and behaviours.
“This project operates on the understanding that religious leaders hold significant sway in shaping their communities’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours.
“Through this initiative, MOLs are engaged to advocate for GBV prevention, using Islamic teachings to challenge harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls,” Dr. Abubakar stated.
The project coordinator, Malam Ahmad Abdullahi, explained that the meeting builds on earlier efforts, including a Peer-to-Peer Study Tour to Egypt, where participants interacted with esteemed Islamic institutions such as the Grand Al-Azhar and the Grand Mufti.
“The insights gained from the tour were pivotal in shaping the initiative’s focus.
“Our goal is to equip Da’awah leaders with practical tools and insights derived from Islamic teachings to safeguard women and girls.
“By integrating Islamic perspectives into GBV prevention strategies, we aim to challenge harmful cultural practices and enhance advocacy skills,” Malam Ahmad emphasized.
The event featured expert presentations on fostering dialogue about GBV within households, exploring Qur’anic verses and Hadeeth relevant to the protection of women, and practical steps to incorporate Islamic teachings into Da’awah preaching.
Participants expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen collaboration between MOLs and women Da’awah leaders to combat GBV at the community level.
“As the 16 Days of Activism campaign continues, efforts of the faith-based leaders underscore the importance of leveraging religious and cultural frameworks to address the scourge of gender-based violence in Northern Nigeria,” he added.
NAN
