The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on traditional rulers in Kano State to actively involve men in efforts to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in their communities.
The appeal was made on Monday when officials of the Centre, under its Male Feminist Network (MFN) Project, paid an advocacy visit to the Rano Emirate Council as part of ongoing efforts to mobilise male allies in the fight against GBV.
Speaking during the visit, the Project Officer of the MFN under CITAD, Mr. Sani Sa’idu, said the campaign seeks to make men partners in promoting gender equality and peaceful coexistence, noting that men’s participation is crucial to achieving sustainable change.
“We believe that ending gender-based violence is not a women-only struggle; men must be part of the solution. Our approach is to engage male traditional leaders, religious figures, and community influencers to drive change from within,” Sa’idu said.
He explained that the project, supported by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), is focused on strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions to tackle harmful social norms that perpetuate violence against women and girls.
“Traditional rulers have immense influence over attitudes and behaviours in their communities. When they speak, people listen. That is why we are here—to seek partnership in spreading messages of respect, equality, and non-violence,” he added.
In his remarks, the Emir of Rano, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Isah Umaru, lauded CITAD for what he described as a “timely and necessary” initiative aimed at addressing the growing challenge of gender-related violence.
“We are fully in support of this campaign. The Rano Emirate Council will continue to work with relevant organisations like CITAD to ensure that our people, especially men, understand their roles in protecting women and girls,” the Emir said.
He assured that the emirate would intensify community sensitisation efforts and engage religious and traditional leaders at the ward level to discourage all forms of violence and discrimination.
“Ending gender-based violence is a collective responsibility. As custodians of tradition, we will continue to promote values of respect, dignity, and protection for all women and girls across the emirate,” the Emir added.