Chris Awhawha
The serene town of Zonkwa, a community in Zangon Kataf LGA in Southern part of Kaduna state, came alive with a purpose as it hosted a landmark event in honor of the 2024 16Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“With the Community Development Coalition (CDC) taking the lead, and supported by Global Rights (GR), the event, brought together stakeholders to address the pressing issue of GBV and its far-reaching consequences in the LG”, according to statement in Kaduna on weekend.
The celebration, it added, brought together over 350 participants, including community and religious leaders, youth and women’s groups, teachers, LGA officials, security agencies, and representatives from key state ministries such as the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development and the Ministry of Justice.
According to the statement made available to newsmen, the unified message of the organiser was clear to the point: “GBV is unacceptable, and collective action is the key to prevention”.
In a keynote addresses, Haj. Mato Rabi, the CDC Assistant chairperson, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating that:
“This event is a call to action for every stakeholder to take responsibility in combating GBV. The time to break the silence is now, and Zonkwa is showing that change begins with us.”
‘The CDC PRO Clement Solomon said GBV is unacceptable, and collective action is the key to prevention”, it stated.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Grace Yohana from SARC Kafachan highlighted the alarming data from the region, adding “The 2024 GBV reports indicate that Jema’a LGA, which shares a border with Zangon Kataf, has been identified to have recorded high cases of GBV incidents.
Survivors of GBV shared their stories, shedding light on the emotional and societal impact of violence and therefore called for stronger support mechanisms.
A local community leader also remarked that “This event reminds us that silence is not an option. We must stand together to protect our women and children and create a safe society for all.”
The community in conclusion message called for action, saying ending GBV required the collective effort of individuals, organizations, and governments respectively.
“Zonkwa’s 16 Days of Activism celebration has set a precedent, demonstrating that communities united in purpose can create a future free from violence”, it added.