International IDEA Trains Kaduna Law Enforcement, Justice Officials on SGBV Response
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has trained law enforcement and justice sector officials in Kaduna State on strengthening survivor-centred investigation, prosecution and justice outcomes in sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases.
The four-day multi-agency Training of Trainers (ToT), commenced on Tuesday in Kaduna, was organised under the European Union Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) Programme in Nigeria, implemented by International IDEA.
Photo of Participants at Train the Trainers (ToT), workshop on Tuesday in Kaduna on strengthening the capacity of critical institutions to investigate SGBV cases
The training is aimed at strengthening the capacity of critical institutions to investigate SGBV cases professionally, improve prosecution and ensure survivors have access to coordinated support and justice.
Speaking during the event, Senior Programme Manager of the ESGBV Programme, Dr Mufuliat Fijabi, said the four-year programme focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, supporting legislative reviews, developing standard operating procedures and improving access to justice for survivors.
She identified changing harmful social norms, enhancing law enforcement capacity and strengthening referral systems for counselling, social support and economic empowerment as key areas of the intervention.
Fijabi said the programme works with state governments to promote institutional ownership and ensure the sustainability of its interventions.
The Officer-in-Charge of the Gender and Family Support Unit, Kaduna State Police Command, SP David Dominic, said the Train-the-Trainer approach would enable participating officers to transfer the knowledge acquired to colleagues in their respective units.
He said continuous capacity building had improved police responses to SGBV cases, while increased community engagement was encouraging grassroots communities and religious leaders to report cases to appropriate authorities.
Principal State Counsel, Kaduna State Ministry of Justice, Salvation Kyari, who represented the Director of the Citizens’ Rights Department, disclosed that the department had handled over 180 cases in the last two years, with more than 90 per cent involving SGBV.
She said the department provides accessible avenues for vulnerable persons and survivors to seek redress, including through Alternative Dispute Resolution and other appropriate justice mechanisms.
Also speaking, Social Welfare Officer of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and project focal person, Umar Abubakar Mohammed, said the programme had supported capacity-building activities involving social workers, school counsellors, doctors, nurses, local government SGBV desk officers and Technical Working Group members.
He added that the ministry operates a shelter on Katuru Road, Kaduna, to provide safe accommodation and support for survivors requiring protection.
The training is part of International IDEA’s broader intervention to strengthen multi-agency collaboration and improve the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria.
