BY KALMANA AFSA, BAUCHI – Religious and traditional rulers have the power to avert all forms of violence against women, girls, boys and men in the society and country at large if they play their required roles well.
A renowned Christian leader in Bauchi, Bishop Isaac Crown, who stated this at a two-day capacity building workshop for stakeholders to bridge the gap created by impunity towards sexual and gender based violence and how to mitigate the practice, said there is the urgent need to step up engagement on preaching against the menace of all forms of violence in the society.
He noted that religious and traditional leaders often have control over their followers owing to the spiritual role they provide either as Christians or Muslims.
Bishop Crown, who spoke on the Christian perspective, advocated for a Special Gender desk to be established in Churches and Mosques, adding that if violence must come to an end, it must take the deliberate steps and measures by the religious leaders to educate people on the provisions of the holy books, stressing that the holy books frowns at all forms of violence.
The Clergy said while law enforcement agencies intervene when there is occurrence of violence, religious leaders have the power to avert it.
Speaking in turn, the Amira of Federation of Muslim Association Bauchi, Hajiya Aisha Kilishi advocated for proper counseling of all intending couples in Churches and Mosques before marriage.
She said most practices in the communities are rooted deeply in harmful cultural practices not religion.
Amira identified girls and women as the worst hit in terms of violence and advice that education is one way that the girl will be empowered.
The Stakeholders capacity building workshop was put together by Attah sisters helping hands Foundation (ASHH).
