Kasuwan Magani Residents Find New Hope in Combating Gender-Based Violence
A devastating conflict in 2018 left Marwanatu Abubakar, a mother of six, homeless and widowed in Kasuwan Magani, Kaduna state. However, with the help of a local Non Governmental Organisation, Empowering Women for Excellent Initiative (EWEI), she discovered a new sense of purpose. The organisation provided her with a structured training on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), mediation techniques, psychosocial support, and referral pathways. This training not only empowered her but also transformed her into a community focal person for handling cases of SGBV.
Researchers have consistently found that conflict increases gender-based violence due to the breakdown of law enforcement, mass displacement, and economic hardship. In northern Nigeria, survivors of domestic and sexual violence face numerous barriers to justice, including lack of awareness, economic dependence, and stigma. Despite the presence of four Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARC) in Kaduna state, these centres are usually located in cities, making it challenging for rural communities to access them.
Through the "Together We Can" project, EWEI provided counselling, mental health and psychosocial support, and economic empowerment initiatives for 30 survivors of violence in Kasuwan Magani. The project also trained them on how to identify, prevent, and respond to Gender-Based Violence. A women-led cooperative was established in the community, which serves as a safe space for women and girls to report GBV cases. The group handles a range of cases, including physical assault, rape, and denial of food and confiscation of women's business capital by spouses.
The group's strength lies in its visibility and approach, which combines mediation with the threat of escalation. If a case is serious or unresolved, it is referred to the NGO office or to law enforcement authorities. The community has seen a significant reduction in cases of rape, domestic violence, and children being kept out of school.
Nigerian Connection: The story highlights the efforts of a local Non Governmental Organisation, Empowering Women for Excellent Initiative (EWEI), in combating gender-based violence in rural communities in Kaduna state. The organisation's approach, which combines mediation with the threat of escalation, has been effective in reducing cases of SGBV in the community.
Closing: The success of the "Together We Can" project in Kasuwan Magani is a testament to the impact that community-led initiatives can have in combating gender-based violence. As the project continues to empower survivors and provide them with the necessary skills and support, it is likely that the community will see a significant reduction in cases of SGBV.
When Marwanatu Abubakar says that the women-led cooperative has become a safe space for women and girls to report GBV cases, that means the community is finally taking ownership of addressing this issue. The fact that the group's approach combines mediation with the threat of escalation suggests that they are willing to take bold steps to prevent further violence. This development has significant implications for the country's efforts to combat SGBV, particularly in rural communities where access to justice is often limited.
