The Women Advocacy, Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) has lamented over the prevalence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Niger State.
Niger State Coordinator of WARDC, Mrs. Hassana Joan Kpeto, who made this known during a press briefing held in Minna over the weekend, said 1,000 cases were documented between 2023 and 2024.
She said the cases range from physical assaults to emotional abuse, underscoring the urgent need for action.
Themed “Invest in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): Increase Budget to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” the briefing highlighted the critical need for government intervention.
Mrs. Kpeto explained that of the 1,000 reported cases, the organisation was only able to address 100, with just eight convictions recorded during the period.
She attributed the limited success to inadequate funding and called on all levels of government to prioritize SGBV in their budgets.
Tge Niger state WARDC coordinator pointed that the centre is a human rights organisation operating nationwide to combat issues such as gender-based violence, child abuse, and child labour.
Kpeto further emphasized the importance of incorporating gender-responsive budgeting in state policies and programs, urging the Niger State government to set aside 0.05% of its 2025 budget for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) like the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and the Child Rights Act Agency.