By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on religious leaders in Kano State to use their pulpits to campaign against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and promote men as key allies in ending the menace.
The appeal was made on Wednesday during an advocacy visit to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kano State chapter, as part of efforts to engage faith communities in tackling the scourge.
Muhammad Sani Sa’idu, Project Officer of the Male Feminist Network (MFN) under CITAD, said the fight against SGBV cannot be left to women alone, stressing that men must take active roles in dismantling harmful practices and patriarchal systems that fuel abuse.
“Too often, men remain silent when women are abused, but silence is complicity,” Sa’idu said. “We must move from bystanders to defenders of justice. If men rise, the wall of silence will fall, and communities will change.”
He explained that the Male Feminist Network, supported by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) and the Ford Foundation, is recruiting and training men to challenge the culture of silence around abuse.
Sa’idu noted that many women endure violence quietly due to stigma, cultural pressure, or misinterpretation of religion. He maintained that no scripture permits abuse, adding: “A peaceful home cannot be built on fear, and no religion sanctions violence against women. Respecting women is protecting the dignity of society.”
Responding, CAN Chairman in Kano, represented by his deputy, Rev. Bitrus Nuhu, commended CITAD’s initiative and pledged the church’s support.
“No religion accepts violence,” Rev. Nuhu said. “The church cannot fold its arms while women and girls suffer. Our voices must guide families to live in peace and mutual respect.”
Similarly, President of the Evangelical Church of Christ in Nigeria (ECCN), Rev. Kefas S. Galadima, urged faith communities to go beyond condemnation by creating safe spaces for survivors.
“Preaching alone is not enough,” he warned. “Churches must provide counselling, healing, and justice for victims. As scripture teaches—defend the weak and the oppressed. That is true religion.”
Sa’idu also urged clerics to expose perpetrators, describing violence against women as both a personal tragedy and a national setback.
“When you strike a woman, you wound the heart of a nation. When you uplift a woman, you uplift generations,” he declared.
