Rape and GBV against women rise to over 1,000 cases, but only a few culprits arrested
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
More than 1,000 rape and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases against women were reported in Niger between January and July alone, Mary Isa, the Director of Planning and Gender-Based Focal Person in the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has disclosed.
She said the incidents were recorded by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and compiled on a central dashboard for tracking and reporting to the National Dashboard.
Isa explained that the ministry has been working to address the issues through sensitisation programmes and collaboration with security agencies.
“The ministry has been conducting sensitisation programmes in markets, mechanic workshops, Emirate Councils, and schools to raise awareness about GBV and encourage victims to report to relevant authorities,” she narrated.
According to her, despite the efforts, however, only a few culprits have been arrested, and the ministry is also facing challenges with parents who prefer to settle rape cases at the family level rather than pursue legal action.
Isah disclosed that the ministry has service providers across the 25 councils of the state who can receive reports of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, and other forms of GBV.
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