WRAPA, FIDA in Kebbi Mark 16 Days of Activism with Community Engagement in Kawara Village for GBV Prevention

By Abdullahi  Faruk

Kawara Community, Kebbi State — December  18, 2025

A community‑wide sanitization drive opened the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender‑Based Violence (GBV) in Kawara, culminating in a dialogue and storytelling forum aimed at preventing GBV and raising awareness of protective laws. Organized by the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) in partnership with FIDA, H‑SARNA, and members of the Technical Working Group (TWG), the event drew representatives from NACTAL, NAPTIP, the Medical Unit, Tallafin Mata, Anatare, SIGED, GEPI, EDCRAWI, NCWs, community leaders, and the media.

The programme began with an opening prayer led by the Chief Imam of Kawara, followed by self‑introductions. In his welcome address, Comrade Nasiru Idris, Executive Director of WRAPA Kebbi State, underscored the purpose of the gathering:"GBV remains a grave social menace with far‑reaching consequences for families and communities. Sustained community engagement is one of the most effective strategies for combating the problem, and we call for maximum cooperation and collective responsibility in addressing GBV and child abuse.”

Dr. Nuraddeen Kangiwa, a Medical Consultant of Mai-Talle Tara SARC Centre, Kalgo, reinforced the importance of the forum: "This platform is crucial for strengthening community responses to GBV. We urge participants to listen attentively and contribute practical solutions to mitigate GBV cases in Kawara.”

Speaking on behalf of the Village Head of Kawara, Madawakin Kawara expressed gratitude to the organizers for selecting the community “Kawara already has a committee that responds to GBV‑related cases, with existing restrictions on child hawking and inappropriate relationships involving teenagers. The insights from today’s dialogue will further empower that committee.”

The Special Adviser on Public Englightenment and orientation to state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Jambali, conveyed the state government’s commitment: “The Kebbi State government is fully committed to supporting initiatives aimed at ending GBV and protecting the rights of women and children.”

A poignant storytelling session followed, during which four frontline community girls shared personal experiences of GBV, highlighting the urgent need for preventive measures and survivor‑centered responses.

Legal expert Barrister Hauwa Usara provided an in‑depth explanation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and Child Protection Laws:

“We outlined prohibited acts, reporting mechanisms, and penalties for offenders. Our aim is to demystify these laws and empower community members to seek justice without fear or favour.”

Discussions identified critical issues such as girl‑child street hawking, out‑of‑school children, sexual abuse, maternal‑health challenges, and parental responsibility. Stakeholders linked economic hardship, weak family support systems, and polygamy to the prevalence of child hawking, noting that house‑to‑house hawking exposes girls to exploitation and abuse.

 The Kawara community pledged to reduce and discourage child hawking; Strengthen parental oversight and supervision; Improve girl‑child education and school enrollment; Promptly report GBV cases and combat abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.

The Village Development Committee (VDC) assumed responsibility for overseeing implementation, supported by WRAPA, TWG, and partner organizations.