The Emir of Dutse, Muhammad Hamim-Nuhu, has urged stakeholders to work collectively to curb rising cases of violence against women in society.
He made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit by officials of the Development Research and Project Centre (DRPC) and the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Bayero University Kano (BUK).
The centres, with support from the Ford Foundation, are implementing a gender-based violence prevention project in northern Nigeria. The emir expressed concern over the increasing incidents, particularly in rural communities across Jigawa State.
Hamim-Nuhu, who dismissed violence against women as repugnant to Islamic teachings, said that Islam made adequate provision to protect women, children and the vulnerable.
“The right of women is sacrosanct in Islam.
“I commend the DRPC and the Ford Foundation for supporting the noble initiative that will go a long way in protecting the rights of women in Northern Nigeria and improving their living conditions,” he said.
He admonished political and religious leaders as well as researchers to provide guidance through Islamic perspectives to address the menace.
While pledging support to the campaign, Hamim-Nuhu enjoined civil society groups to mobilise religious leaders in preaching against the menace.
Prof. Taufiq Abubakar, Director, Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, BUK, said the intervention focused at addressing spate of violence against women.
Abubakar said the project had sensitised over 150 Juma’at mosque Imams, 100 Sharia Court Judges, 60 female preachers, among others.
He said that Islam strictly prohibited all forms of violence and harm, while encouraging the protection and dignity of women.
“Islamic teachings emphasised the prevention of GBV and safeguarding of women’s wellbeing. In marriage, Islam makes it obligatory for husbands to care for and protect their wives.
“After childbirth, a mother and child must receive increased care and support, with the father being responsible for the child’s wellbeing.” he said.
Also, Umar Ahmad, Coordinator, Muslim Opinion Leaders’ GBV Prevention Project, highlighted that Islam mandated men to protect and care for the GBV survivors as well as safeguard dignity of women.
According to Ahmad, the project will soon be launched in Jigawa and Bauchi States, to end violence against women.
