IWD: Amnesty International Volunteers Rally in Jigawa for Women’s Rights

Amnesty International Nigeria volunteers marked International Women’s Day (IWD) with a rally in Hadejia, Jigawa State, to raise awareness about gender inequality and the alarming rise in femicide cases across the country.  

The peaceful demonstration, which drew about 55 participants, began at Gandun Sarki and proceeded to the Hadejia-Nguru Roundabout.

Holding placards and chanting messages demanding justice for victims of gender-based violence, the demonstrators were joined by community leaders, youth groups, and traditional entertainers, amplifying the call for urgent action.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Usman Dalhat described the surge in femicide cases as deeply troubling and called for collective efforts to combat the crisis.

“We cannot afford to ignore the shocking increase in femicide cases. Ensuring the safety of women in their homes, workplaces, and communities is our shared responsibility. We need stronger laws to protect them and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.

Muhammad Ibrahim Adam, another speaker, emphasized the role of young people in dismantling harmful societal norms that enable gender-based violence.

“Young people must take the lead in challenging these deeply rooted injustices. We must reject harmful practices and advocate for policies that guarantee justice for victims,” he said.

The Jigawa State Coordinator of Amnesty International Nigeria volunteers, Comrade Salisu M. Indabawa, stressed the urgent need for legal reforms.

“The absence of specific laws addressing femicide in Nigeria is a glaring gap in our legal system. We need targeted policies, widespread public awareness campaigns, and stronger support systems to protect women from violence,” he said.

Recent statistics show the gravity of the crisis. In January 2025 alone, Nigeria recorded 17 femicide cases—a staggering 240% increase from the previous year.

Many cases remain unreported or unresolved due to legal loopholes and societal stigma, leaving victims and their families without justice.

Participants at the rally urged the government to strengthen legal frameworks, implement educational programs, and enhance support services for survivors of gender-based violence.

They also reiterated that achieving gender equality and ensuring women’s safety requires more than rhetoric—it demands concrete legislative and societal change.

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