In the heart of Northern Nigeria, where the echoes of conflict often drown out the cries for help, a new narrative is emerging. It is a story of resilience, but also a stark revelation of the shadows that remain unaddressed.
Our latest report, “SPRiNG Kaduna Baseline: The Intersection of Conflict and SGBV,” peels back the layers of how instability has transformed the lives of women and girls in Kaduna State. It isn’t just a collection of data; it is a map of the barriers standing between survivors and the justice they deserve.
The Story Behind the Data
When conflict enters a community, it doesn’t just bring physical displacement—it brings a surge in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). For many in Kaduna, the path to healing is blocked by more than just geography. It is blocked by fear, social stigma, and a legal system that feels out of reach for those who need it most.
Our research highlights a critical disconnect: while the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) exists, its implementation in conflict-affected zones remains a significant challenge. Survivors aren’t just fighting for their lives; they are fighting for their voices to be heard in a system often paralyzed by the very instability they are fleeing.
Key Insights from the Report:
- The Shadow Pandemic: How conflict serves as a catalyst for increased domestic and sexual violence.
- Barriers to Justice: An analysis of why formal legal channels are often underutilized by survivors.
- Community Resilience: The role of local leaders and grassroots organizations in providing the first line of defense.
- Call to Action: Concrete recommendations for policy changes to bridge the gap between legislation and lived reality.
Why This Matters Now
As Kaduna navigates the complexities of security and peacebuilding, we cannot afford to leave the most vulnerable behind. Access to justice is not a luxury, but a fundamental human right that must be upheld, even in the midst of turmoil.
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