In a renewed effort to curb the rising cases of digital violence targeting women and girls in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Community Dialogue Committee (CDC), Zangon Kataf, has organized a one-day peace walk in Samaru Kataf.
The event formed part of the communities’ ongoing 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, aimed at mobilizing key stakeholders and sensitizing the public on the dangers of sexual and digital abuse across Zangon Kataf and its environs.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the CDC, His Highness Luke Adankat, said the campaign was necessary to enlighten the public on the growing harm violence against women is inflicting on society.
Adankat expressed worry over the daily rise in cases of online, physical, psychological, and emotional abuse against women, warning that the trend must be halted for the sake of humanity.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and community members to effectively confront the menace.
According to him, “This issue is not one to be trivialized. Everyone must work together to reduce the violence to the barest minimum.”
He explained that the CDC, a 25-member body, was established in Zonkwa on May 17, 2023, through a partnership between Global Rights and The Kukah Centre, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The initiative is part of a broader project titled “Deploying Strategies for Increasing Access to Justice and Promoting Credible, Peaceful, Democratic Processes in North-West Nigeria.”
Clement noted that rising insecurity across North-West Nigeria, especially in Kaduna Stat, has disproportionately affected women and girls.
He explained that previous interventions failed to address the gender-specific challenges faced by women during violent conflicts.
He also highlighted the evolving nature of insecurity in Zangon Kataf, noting that traditional farmer-herder clashes have now given way to escalating incidents of sexual assault against women working on farms.
“It is deeply troubling that cases of rape involving women trying to earn a living on their farms occur almost daily,” he lamented.
Clement said the peace walk was therefore organized to raise awareness on the harmful impact of sexual and digital violence on women, stressing that the fight requires immediate and unified action from all community members.
