Voices In The Dust: A Story Of SGBV Advocacy In Zamfara

*Advocating For Justice, One Voice At A Time

By; AMINA M. HASSAN

Introduction

Fatima was just 16 when her world changed. Living in a quiet village near Gusau, she dreamed of becoming a teacher. But one evening, on her way back from running an errand, she was attacked by a man she knew—someone respected in the community. Her cries were swallowed by the silence of shame and fear of stigma that often surrounds sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Zamfara.

The Hidden Crisis

Fatima’s story is not unique. Across Zamfara State, countless girls, women and even boys face the threat of SGBV—often in silence. Cultural taboos, fear of stigma, socioeconomic hardship and limited access to justice keep survivors hidden. Many cases go unreported, and even when they are, justice is slow or denied. In rural as well as urban areas survivors are pressured to “settle” or forgive, while perpetrators walk free.

The Rise of Advocacy

But change is stirring.

In 2019, a sexual assault referral center was established. This was as a result of an intervention brought to the state by DFID by a non-governmental organization, Justice For All. This became a turning point as survivors of sexual abuse now had a safe place where they could access health and psychosocial services. This center has received survivors from all 14 local governments across the state and from some neighboring states like Kebbi.

A lot of civil society organizations alongside the technical working group for child protection in the state have been instrumental in driving the domestication of laws that will ensure the protection of the most vulnerable in the society.

It is imperative that as a society we teach our children safe and unsafe touch. All minors should have a trusted adult whom they are comfortable with to whom they can report incidences of sexual abuse.

We must teach our daughters that their bodies are not shameful, and we must teach our sons that respect is strength.

Progress and Challenges

Advocacy efforts have begun to bear fruit. In 2022, Zamfara State passed a domesticated version of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, thanks to pressure from civil society groups. The law criminalizes rape, domestic violence, and harmful traditional practices. It also provides for survivor compensation and rehabilitation.

Still, challenges remain.

The only existing SARC is yet to be completed, regional SARCs are yet to be established and funding as well as the joint GBV taskforce are yet to take shape.

Many communities lack safe shelters, trained first responders, or female police officers. Survivors often face backlash for speaking out. But the advocacy is growing—powered by courage, compassion, and conviction.

A Voice Reclaimed

Fatima, now 17, is a beautiful example of those who despite the trauma, was able to heal and continue in the path of her dreams.

This is not unrelated to the fact that she presented to the SARC and this gave her the opportunity to be linked to support services by Pro health International.

She not only completed her secondary education but was also taught entrepreneurship skills to make her self-reliant.

She also received a startup package to serve as seed stock for her soap making.

“I thought my pain would bury me,” she said. “But now I know my voice can build something stronger.”

Call to Action

Ending SGBV in Zamfara requires more than laws—it demands hearts and minds.

It calls for parents to listen, leaders to act, and communities to protect. It asks each of us to be brave enough to break the silence.

Speak up. Stand with survivors. Demand justice. Zamfara’s daughters are watching.

Dr AMINA M. HASSAN, MBBS, is the Medical Director General Hospital Gusau, Clinical Head, Sexual Assault Referral Centrer Gusau, Fellow Empower Her Wgh Nigeria, sent In This Piece