Tackling Gender-Based Violence in Kano; How CITAD’s Mobile App is Empowering Survivors to Report Cases

By Mariya Shuaibu Suleiman

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a severe and pervasive issue in Nigeria, encompassing harmful behaviors such as physical abuse, sexual harassment, and emotional manipulation. In response to this crisis, the Federal Government enacted and domesticated the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law in 2015 to address GBV issues and ensure the punishment of perpetrators.

In Kano, reporting these incidents has traditionally been fraught with challenges. Many victims endure their suffering in silence due to fears of social stigma and lack of resources. For victims of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), feeling safe enough to report their experiences is critical in breaking the cycle of abuse. Confidentiality, trust, and protection from retaliation are essential to ensure survivors come forward, as underreporting allows perpetrators to continue their abuse unchecked.

Data collection plays a crucial role in understanding the scope of SGBV and creating targeted interventions. In Rwanda, the establishment of Isange One-Stop Centers has significantly improved reporting by providing survivors with medical, psychological, and legal support in a safe environment. By 2020, these centers had handled over 25,000 cases of SGBV. Additionally, data-driven approaches facilitated by Rwanda’s Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion have been vital in assessing and improving SGBV services, demonstrating how effective reporting and data collection can drive impactful change.

The following chart illustrates the increasing number of cases handled by the Rwanda Isange One-Stop Centers from 2009 to 2020.

A Chart illustrating the number of cases handled by the Rwanda Isange one-stop center from 2009-2020

Nigeria still faces challenges in collecting comprehensive national data on SGBV. Halima B. Faruk, an official at the Kano State Waraka Sexual Referral Centre (WARAKA SARC), revealed that many women and girls in the state experience various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and psychological violence, but lack the confidence to report it. WARAKA SARC, established by the Kano State Government, provides crucial services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, offering medical assistance, and legal support. Despite their efforts, the Centre collaborates with organizations like CITAD to reach a wider audience and address issues of confidentiality, stigma, and underreporting through innovative solutions like the GBV mobile app.

According to Mrs. Zainab Aminu, a GBV Activist and the Gender Technical Officer for the Centre for Information Technology Development (CITAD), CITAD developed the GBV Mobile App in early 2022 to track and record GBV cases in Kano. The App provides a safe and confidential platform for survivors to report cases of GBV.

“Most victims or survivors are reluctant to report incidents due to stigmatization. The idea of creating the app came when we realized that it’s not that these cases aren’t happening- they are. However, people tend not to report them. So, we thought, why not provide a platform where they can report their cases without revealing their identities? They can share brief details about what is happening to them, and if they want, they can request follow-up on their case without their identities being compromised. That is the primary goal of developing the GBV Mobile App.”

She added that the GBV Mobile App is designed to address key aspects of GBV, including the environment where it occurs, the identity of the person reporting, and the nature of the perpetrator. One of its key features is allowing survivors control over their communication preferences.

CITAD’s GBV Mobile App Reporting Form

Mrs. Aminu noted, “They can send us their report and then give us the liberty to either contact them if they want, or not. There is a slot in the app where they can leave their phone numbers if they want to be contacted for follow-ups.”

17 year old Amina Usman, a GBV survivor shares how the fear of societal judgment initially kept her silent, but discovering the CITAD app empowered her to report her case anonymously. “I didn’t want to tell anyone about what happened because I was scared of what people might say. But when I found out about the CITAD app, I realized I could report my case anonymously. It gave me the courage to come forward without anyone knowing it was me,” She recounts.

AI-generated image of a young girl, a GBV survivor reporting her case on the CITAD GBV Mobile App

Ibrahim Salihu, a GBV Mobile App Monitor who is responsible for following up on reported issues and reporting on behalf of users, highlighted how the app has modernized the reporting process.

“Indeed CITAD GBV Mobile App has changed the way I work because it has changed from manual into technological. Everywhere you are, if you get information about a GBV case, you have the opportunity to report the case to CITAD for the organization to take serious action on that issue and also to investigate further. Through that mobile app, you can report.”

Salihu also described the thorough steps taken to ensure data accuracy “We carry out verification and investigation on any information that we collect. For example, if we get information on a certain area, we try to reach out to a person or an individual living in that area. If we can get information about the relatives, we contact them to get accurate and exact information on what happened.”

He noted that the App records different types of GBV. “We have rape cases, online harassment, sexual blackmail, sexual harassment, sexual abuse and other cases that are related to gender based violence.” After enduring a traumatic experience, 16-year-old Maryam Aminu another survivor of violence, felt trapped by fear and was worried about her privacy. “I was scared to talk about what happened to me because I didn’t want people to know. When I found the CITAD app, it was easy to use, and I felt safe. I could tell my story without anyone knowing it was me. The app helped me connect with someone who listened and guided me on what to do next.”

Since its launch, CITAD’s GBV Mobile App has significantly increased the reporting of GBV cases in Kano. One notable success was a spike in reports, with over 800 cases documented in a single year, and between November 2022 and February 2023, it monitored and recorded 171 cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) with the majority being rape and other sexual abuses. The Gender Technical Officer also mentioned that while data for 2024 is still being compiled, the app has recorded a significant number of cases this year.

“There was a period in a year where we had over 800 reports. We believe that those cases wouldn’t have been able to see the light of the day without the use of our app. For us, that is success. We still urge the public to use the app because it’s still functioning. It’s called CITAD GBV App on play store and you can also access it through our website.” She noted.

She further explained the app’s role in shaping advocacy efforts “We collect data, analyze it, and use it to inform our monthly press conferences, calling attention to the rate of cases happening within Kano State.”

One of the app’s developers, Suhail Sani Abdullahi, reported that approximately 2,000 cases have been recorded since 2022. The data collected through the app, alongside other NGOs’ data and their persistent advocacy efforts, highlighted the extent of child rights violations in Kano State. This collective evidence and advocacy created significant pressure on the government, which ultimately contributed to the passage of the Child Rights Bill, as the government recognized the urgent need for legislative action. “The high number of reported cases led to increased actions supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. During our data collection, our reports help in prompting the government to address policy issues, which contributed to the passing of the Child Rights Bill. Although the Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act was not passed due to cultural differences and merging with the VAPP code, we made significant progress through collaborations with organizations like NAPTIP, the Human Rights Commission, FIDA, and SARC. These partnerships helped report, refer, and support victims, demonstrating a shift in how SGBV cases are addressed.” Zainab added.

In response to Zainab Aminu’s statement on the role of CITAD’s GBV app in tracking gender-based violence, Yakubu Muhammad Salihi, Director of Research, Planning, and Statistics at the Kano Ministry of Women, Children and Disabled, provided further insights.

“The ministry has recorded over 300 cases of rape this year, with victims including teenage girls and boys. These cases were reported based on data collected from the Waraka Sexual Referral Centre, a key partner in gathering and sharing information on gender-based violence incidents,” Salihu said. The Director added that while the ministry has yet to provide details on cases directly reported through CITAD’s GBV app, the app remains a crucial tool in tracking and forwarding cases for action.

He also pointed out that the Kano State Ministry of Justice is revisiting the draft copy of the harmonized state VAPP Bill in conjunction with the review of the Kano Penal Code, which awaits validation. While political will remains a challenge, the ministry continues to provide psycho-social support, empowerment services, and advocacy to create a safer environment for girls and boys in the state.

Abdullahi Shehu, the Kano State Coordinator of the Human Rights Commission, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that their agency works closely with law enforcement to respond to rape and sexual assault cases.

“We do respond to cases of rape and other sexual offences particularly when it comes to the board of the commission. Ideally, when such case  is reported, the commission takes it up  diligently, working with other stakeholders particularly rape and the other sexual offences and criminal offences that need to be fully investigated by the law enforcement agencies particularly the Nigeria Police. So, if we received such cases, we liaise with the Nigeria Police to investigate the case and take appropriate steps in bringing justice to the victims.” He explained.

He however, noted that a lack of working laws, particularly the absence of the VAPP Act, which Kano State is yet to domesticate, complicates the fight against GBV.

The Kano State Police Command also uses the data from CITAD’s app to handle SGBV cases more professionally. According to Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Police Public Relations Officer, the police diligently investigates cases, gathers necessary evidence, and ensures that perpetrators are prosecuted.

Hauwa Aminu, a concerned mother to one of the GBV survivors, expressed relief knowing her daughter had access to the app for reporting issues.

“When she told me about the app, I felt relieved. I encouraged her to use it, knowing that she can report anything without fear. This makes me feel more secure about her well-being. Also, the Waraka Centre helps her with medication after informing the police and checking her body.”

Picture of Maryam Aminu, a GBV survivor using the CITAD GBV Mobile App to Report her Case

The Protocol Officer of the Waraka SARC, Aminu Usman highlighted that their collaboration with CITAD allows for efficient case handling. He said whenever CITAD forwards a case to the Referral Centre, they ensure a swift response by connecting survivors with the Police, legal support, and medical services.

Picture of WARAKA Sexual Referral Centre Office Logo

Despite these efforts, there are challenges including limited app usage in rural areas, limited funding and technical difficulties. Mrs. Aminu explained that after the Ford Foundation’s funding ended in 2023, CITAD has taken over the app’s operation and maintenance.

“Our main limitation is a lack of users. Many people are still not using the app. Initially, when we launched the app, it was well-received because we had monitors in several locations who were paid to follow up on issues and report on behalf of users. However, once the contracts for these monitors expired, we expected that people would take on the civic responsibility of supporting the app as citizens of Kano State. Instead, people continued to expect payment for following up on cases. Without their involvement, the vulnerable and marginalized individuals in the digital space are unable to report their cases. This is one of our major challenges.”

Salihu, the GBV Mobile App Monitor also noted that CITAD’s funding for the monitors ended in 2023, leading them to stop reporting.

“When we were initially appointed by CITAD as GBV campus ambassadors, our contracts were for one year, later extended to 18 months. We were compensated monthly for data collection and stipends. However, after the project ended last year, many of us stopped reporting cases through the GBV app since our contracts had expired. Despite the extension, the project concluded, and most monitors are no longer active.” Explained by the CITAD GBV app monitor.

He added that they are unable to continue reporting because their contracts ended. The stipend was for both data collection and transport. To continue reporting, they would need renewed contracts and ongoing compensation.

Suhail, the app developer, also highlighted the technical challenges involved in creating the app. He explained that the constant evolution of technology is a challenge because it requires frequent updates to the application to stay current with new developments and features, making the process resource-intensive and time-consuming.

Suhail explained that the app is available for download on the Google Play Store and through CITAD’s website. “Currently, when someone wants to locate the application, they can simply open their web browser and type ‘citad.org.ng/gbvapp’, and the application will appear.”

CITAD’s GBV Mobile App represents a significant advancement in addressing GBV in Kano. By providing a confidential and anonymous reporting platform, it empowers survivors who might otherwise remain silent.

According to Usman, the Protocol Officer at Waraka SARC, the rise in the number of cases reported to them -reaching up to 100 per month through the app- and other cases reported directly to their office, reflects both increased awareness and the continued prevalence of GBV in Kano communities.

A Chart illustrating the Number of GBV Recorded Cases by the CITAD GBV Mobile App from 2022 to Early 2023

He added that with the existence of the CITAD’s GBV App, they aim to make reporting more accessible, ensure that no case goes unaddressed and encourage more people to utilize the app.

Highlighting the broader impact of the app, the CITAD’s Gender Technical Officer emphasized its potential reach beyond Kano State.  ‘We believe that the app would not serve only Kano State but can serve the entire nation as a whole”, she stated.

    This story was produced by Women Radio 91.7 in partnership with Nigeria Health Watch through the Solutions Journalism Network.