Kaduna Stakeholders Unite to Tackle GBV, Empower Vulnerable Groups for Sustainable Impact
By Mercy Onyenero, Kaduna
The Voice of the Girl Child and Vulnerable People Foundation (VGCVPF), in partnership with Muslim Charity, has convened a one-day consultative workshop in Kaduna aimed at strengthening responses to gender-based violence (GBV) and empowering vulnerable women and children.
The workshop brought together representatives of government ministries, paramilitary and law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community actors to enhance coordination, referral systems, and support services for survivors of GBV.
Speaking on the objective of the engagement, the organizers said the forum was designed to identify gaps in existing responses, propose practical solutions, and prioritize actionable interventions to address GBV across the state.
In her remarks, Aisha Bello, Executive Director of VGCVPF, highlighted persistent challenges in Kaduna State, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), human trafficking, out-of-school children, and women’s economic empowerment.
“Bringing together CSOs, government agencies, paramilitary institutions, and community actors is critical to identifying gaps and proffering practical solutions,” Bello said.
She stressed that while policies addressing GBV exist, implementation remains a major challenge.
“It’s not just about CSOs. First and foremost, policies have to be set right. The policies are there, but implementation is where the real challenge lies. As CSOs, we are ready to support the government to ensure these policies are effectively implemented,” she stated.
Bello also urged participants to design actionable programmes that address gaps in both formal and informal education systems, particularly for vulnerable children. She added that Muslim Charity is committed to supporting initiatives with clear, sustainable plans that deliver long-term impact.
“In terms of funding, Muslim Charity is ready to support initiatives that are well thought out and sustainable, to ensure lasting results,” she said.
Also speaking, Irfan Rajput, Director of International Programmes and Policy at Muslim Charity, commended VGCVPF and other stakeholders for organizing the consultation. He noted that issues such as human trafficking, GBV, street-connected children, and modern slavery are interconnected and require a coordinated, multi-sectoral response.
“This multi-stakeholder consultation in Kaduna State is an important step toward strengthening collaboration for protection and action,” Rajput said.
He identified gaps in coordination between CSOs and government institutions, as well as limited resources, as key challenges undermining effective responses.
“These problems cannot be tackled by NGOs, civil society organizations, or government alone. There is a need for improved coordination because all actors need each other,” he added.
The workshop concluded with a call for more efficient utilization of available resources by both government and non-governmental actors, alongside increased technical and financial support. Muslim Charity reaffirmed its commitment to supporting viable projects, unveiling a seven-year strategic approach to guide implementation.
The event marked a significant step toward strengthening collective action against GBV and advancing the empowerment of vulnerable groups in Kaduna State, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to sustainable, collaborative solutions.
