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| Picture: Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Hamim Nuhu (CFR). |
By Muhammad Salisu
The Emir of Dutse, in Jigawa State, Alhaji Hamim Nuhu, has urged stakeholders, including politicians and Islamic scholars, to collaborate in addressing the increasing issue of violence against women in Northern Nigeria.
The monarch made the call while receiving a courtesy visit in his Palace on Thursday in Dutse, from representatives of the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and Bayero University's Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, who were working on a project to prevent gender-based violence in the region with support from the Ford Foundation.
Emir Hamim who condemned violence against women, described it as un-Islamic and repugnant, emphasized that "Islam prioritizes the protection of women, children, and the vulnerable, and that women's rights are highly valued in the religion."
Therefore, the Emir commended the Development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) and the Ford Foundation for their support of the initiative, noting that it would significantly contribute to protecting women's rights and improving their living conditions in Northern Nigeria.
Emir Hamim then called on politicians, Islamic scholars, and university researchers to pay more attention in providing guidance through Islamic perspective in preventing the growing menace of violence against women.
"Violence against women is a challenge that is growing especially among rural dwellers in Jigawa state, and this called for concerted efforts," he added
While assuring his commitment to fighting violence against women, he urged civil society groups to up their ante in mobilising religious leaders in preaching against violence on women.
Earlier, the Director, Centre of Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue, Bayero University, Professor Taufiq Abubakar, described the Muslim Opinion Leaders prevention against gender based violence project as an intervention initiated to address the increasing rate of violence against women.
He noted that the MOLs have sensitised over 150 Juma'at mosque Imams, 100 Sharia Court Judges, 60 female da'awah leaders, etc.
According to him, some of the key lessons learnt include Islam strictly prohibiting all forms of violence and harm while promoting the protection and dignity of women, adding that "various Islamic teachings emphasize the prevention of GBV and the safeguarding of women’s well-being."
Professor Abubakar stated further that in marriage, "Islam makes it obligatory for husbands to care for and protect their wives. After childbirth, a mother and child must receive increased care and support, with the father being responsible for the child’s well-being."
In his speech during the courtesy call, Barrister Ahmad Umar, Coordinator of the Muslim Opinion Leaders GBV prevention project, stated that Islam emphasizes the protection and care of survivors of gender-based violence, citing Quranic verses and prophetic hadiths that instruct men to protect women's dignity.
The coordinator also announced that the project would soon be launched in Jigawa and Bauchi states to support efforts to eliminate violence against women in Nigeria.
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