The Bayero University Kano and the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative are to partner to protect the rights of girls and women.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Haruna Musa, stated this during a dialogue on Tuesday in Kano.

The dialogue has as its theme ‘Affirming the Contribution of Culture and Faith Institutions to the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls in Northern Nigeria’.

The event was organised by WRAPA in collaboration with the BUK Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue.

Mr Musa said the university had remained at the forefront of promoting women’s empowerment through several initiatives, including the establishment of the Centre for Gender Studies, which has continued to implement impactful programmes over the past decade.

He revealed that the centre is celebrating its 10th anniversary with remarkable achievements, adding that the university remains open to partnerships with relevant stakeholders to uplift women to global standards.

On her part, the secretary-general of WRAPA, Saudat Shehu-Mahdi, said the organisation remained committed to strengthening women and girls’ understanding of their rights and to helping them seek redress when their rights are violated.

According to her, the objective of the session was to affirm the role of cultural and faith leaders as proactive enablers of women’s rights, while promoting accountability toward achieving a society where women and girls live free from violence.

Some of the participants, including the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto and Sarkin Yakin Gabas, Sani Umar; the representative of Sheikh Karibullah Nasiru Kabara, Hamisu Umar-Takakmawa; and others, described the dialogue as timely and impactful.

The event featured panel discussions, a gallery walk, an action roadmap, and networking activities to promote collective efforts to address gender-based violence in Northern Nigeria.

(NAN)