Ms Nur-Alkali noted that women are often unwilling to speak out about their experiences of SGBV due to stigma, trauma and the fear of being blamed or denied justice. This silence only exacerbates the physical and psychological trauma experienced by survivors, as well as the denial of justice.
The CDD programme aims to raise awareness of SGBV, discourage the culture of silence, reduce stigma, and enhance access to justice for survivors.
Jummai Mshelia, the coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Borno, expressed concern over the failure of governments at all levels to domesticate gender and equality laws. She argued that the domestication of these laws would reduce SGBV in society and urged women to seek justice through relevant authorities when their rights are violated.
Mugwa Kambasha, the chairperson of the Stand Up for Women Society, advised victims of SGBV to keep evidence to facilitate the prosecution of offenders. The need for concerted efforts to end SGBV in the North-East region must be emphasised. The CDD and other organisations are making a laudable effort to sensitise communities. Still, the government at all levels must also play its part in enacting and enforcing laws that protect women and punish perpetrators of SGBV.