By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Fatima Zanna, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in Borno state, delivered a powerful speech at the University of Maiduguri during the commemoration of the 16 days of activism.

The event was organized by the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs in collaboration with the Borno Network of Women Led Civil Society (BONWOC).

Mrs Zanna, who spoke to a hall-filled gathering of students and civil society actors, addressed the pressing issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and emphasized the destructive impact of keeping silent in the face of such atrocities.

“GBV affects all genders, but keeping silence is destructive,” Zanna declared, urging the audience to break the silence and take action against GBV.

She emphasized the importance of victim protection and called for the exposure of perpetrators. Zanna stressed the need for individuals to be aware of their rights, emphasizing that consent is sacred and should not be abused.

In her impassioned address, Zanna highlighted the trauma suffered by victims of GBV due to silence and the lack of psychosocial support (PSS). She encouraged individuals to take precautions to avoid vulnerability, advising them to always walk in groups if they must move at night on campuses.

Zanna also addressed the issue of reporting GBV cases, stressing the urgency of not wasting time to report or seek help in reporting such cases. She specifically discussed cases of rape, urging swift action in bringing perpetrators to justice.

The chairperson’s address resonated with the audience, who responded with nods of agreement and supportive applause. The event at the University of Maiduguri provided a platform for raising awareness about GBV and empowering individuals to take a stand against it.

The 16 days of activism event served as a rallying point for the community, emphasizing the importance of collective action in combating GBV. Zanna’s passionate advocacy for victim protection and the exposure of perpetrators left a lasting impact on the attendees, inspiring them to work towards a safer and more just society.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fighting GBV, with attendees expressing their determination to break the silence and take concrete steps to address this critical issue.

Earlier, Ladi Clarke, the leader of BONWOC, called on stakeholders to “provide protection for our girls and daughters as they pursue their education.”

Clarke emphasized the importance of creating a future free from violence for young women, where every girl has the opportunity to fulfill her potential.

Elizabeth Macleod, former Police
Commander in Scotland and Police Advisor in
West Africa also spoke to the gathering urging perpetrators of GBV to stop doing what they cannot do to their mothers and grand mothers.

Professor Patricia Donli of the University of Maiduguri, also spoke elaborately on the dynamics of GBV in the campus stressing the dangers of boys harrassing girls, lecturers demanding sex for marks, and the need for female students maintaining their dignity. She also hinted about the legilsated bill on protection of victims of campus sexual harrassment that is currently before the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She said the campaign against GBV should be taken beyond the 16 days of activism.

Professor Patricia Donli of the University of Maiduguri spoke extensively about the dynamics of gender-based violence (GBV) on campus. She emphasized the risks of boys harassing girls, lecturers demanding sexual favors in exchange for grades, and the importance of female students upholding their dignity. Additionally, she mentioned a bill for the protection of victims of campus sexual harassment that is currently awaiting approval from Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She emphasized that students should remember that rape is a matter involving an individual and the federal government. Cases of rape should be reported within 72 hours to prevent evidence from being distorted, thus ensuring proper prosecution.