SGBV Awareness Campaign Launched in Kaduna by Hadis Foundation

By Abdullahi Alhassan

Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

November 6, 2025(Series News Online)

Habiba Dangana Foundation, also known as Hadis Foundation, has launched a campaign to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Kaduna state. The organization recently trained community vanguards on SGBV awareness, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to report cases to authorities.

"Our goal is to empower community leaders and organizations to respond effectively to SGBV cases and provide support to survivors," said Malama Aisha Adamu Modibbo, Programme Officer of Hadis Foundation. "We want them to know how to report cases and refer them to the appropriate authorities for action."

Barrister Ayiku Thomas highlighted the severity of SGBV, citing its physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences. "SGBV is a significant human rights violation that affects individuals, particularly women and girls," Thomas said. She identified various forms of SGBV, including sexual violence, physical and psychological violence, and online gender-based violence.

The training addressed the causes of SGBV, including patriarchal societies, reporting barriers, and lack of awareness. Thomas emphasized the need for government and non-government initiatives, legislative actions, and community-based programs to combat SGBV.

Barrister Bukola Ajao, Chairperson of the Coalition against SGBV, stressed the importance of community vanguards in preventing and responding to SGBV cases. "We urge participants to set up groups in their communities where people can report SGBV cases," Ajao said. "We assure them of support from service providers, including free legal services."

The Kaduna State Government's establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law were cited as initiatives aimed at protecting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.

Barrister Ajao also emphasized the need for community vanguards to listen to survivors and provide them with necessary support, rather than taking decisions on their behalf. "We must report SGBV cases to the police, especially in cases of rape, and sensitize communities on how to make timely reports," Ajao said.