The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), a non-governmental organisation, has identified silence as a major bane towards eradicating Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) in the North-East.

CDD gender adviser, Amina Nur-Alkali, stated this at a one-day community sensitisation organised to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day on Wednesday in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

Ms Nur-Alkali said women were unwilling to speak out about their experience, adding that “the victims are being blamed, denied help or told to stop talking.

“This will further amplify brutal physical and psychological consequences for survivors as they are exposed to trauma, stigma, and as a result denied justice”.

According to Ms Nur-Alkali, the CDD programme is designed to create awareness of SGBV, discourage the culture of silence, reduce stigma and enhance access to justice for survivors.

Also speaking, the coordinator, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Borno, Jummai Mshelia, expressed concern over the inability of government at all levels to domesticate gender and equality law.

She said the domestication of the gender and equality law would reduce SGBV in society.

Ms Mshelia advised women to seek justice through relevant authorities when their rights are violated.

For her part, Mugwa Kambasha, chairperson, Stand Up for Women Society, advised victims of SGBV to keep evidence to hasten the prosecution of offenders.

(NAN)