On 10 December 2025, dRPC partnered with the Jigawa State Ministry of Women Affairs to host a public lecture at Ahmad Bello Hall, New Secretariat Complex, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The lecture, delivered by Sheikh Aminu Baba Waziri, Imam of Takur Commercial, Dutse, and dRPC MOL, was titled “Addressing the Persistence of Gender-Based Violence in Jigawa State: Sociological and Ethno-Religious Solutions.”

Sheikh Waziri reflected on the social and religious factors driving the continued prevalence of GBV in Jigawa State. He argued that the persistence of violence against women and girls stems from a departure from authentic Islamic teachings rather than adherence to them. His proposed solutions

emphasized re-education on marital equity (‘Adl), community accountability (Hisbah), and the rigorous application of Sharia principles to protect victims and deter perpetrators.

Despite the state’s enactment of key legal frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law and the Child Protection Law, GBV remains a significant challenge. Sheikh Waziri described it as a social menace fundamentally at odds with the ethical and religious values of the community. Drawing on the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he highlighted how faith calls for the dignity, respect, and protection of women, citing a Hadith that the best among believers are those who are best to their women.

The lecture identified poverty, patriarchal structures, and social norms that normalize silence as key drivers of GBV. Sheikh Waziri noted that economic strain often traps women in abusive relationships, while cultural misinterpretations of male authority allow control and abuse to flourish. Stigma and community pressure frequently conceal acts of violence, perpetuating cycles of harm.

Finally, Sheikh Waziri stressed that the solution to GBV lies in reclaiming Islam’s true, compassionate teachings and rejecting harmful cultural practices falsely presented as religious norms. dRPC continues to support initiatives that combine legal, sociological, and ethno-religious approaches to prevent and respond to GBV, reinforcing the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls across Nigeria.