Kano, Nigeria – 10 December 2024 – Lift Africa Foundation concludes the 2024 16 Days of
Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a statewide Zero Tolerance Walk, uniting
government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, youth groups and
community advocates in a powerful call for justice, accountability and stronger legal protections
for women and girls.
The walk symbolises a collective demand for the domestication of the Harmonised Violence
Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the expansion of survivor services, and the
strengthening of state-level protection systems. It marks the culmination of 16 days of sustained
advocacy, dialogue and community mobilisation across Kano.
A Statewide Demonstration of Solidarity
The Zero Tolerance Walk brings together high-level stakeholders, including:
- the Deputy Governor of Kano State
- Commissioners for Women Affairs, Justice, Information and Health
- NAPTIP Zonal Commander
- Gender Focal Persons
- Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kano
- traditional and religious leaders
- CSOs, youth networks and student associations
- community-based advocates from multiple LGAs
Participants march through key routes, carrying banners and messages that call for:
- justice for survivors
- stronger protection mechanisms
- the urgent adoption of the VAPP Act
- community responsibility in ending GBV
- institutional accountability
The walk sends a unified message that violence against women and girls is unacceptable,
preventable and a matter of urgent public concern.
Presentation of Key Demands to the Kano State Government
At the end of the walk, Lift Africa Foundation leads the formal presentation of a consolidated
advocacy brief to the Deputy Governor. The brief outlines priority actions needed to strengthen
the state’s response to GBV:
- Immediate Domestication of the Harmonised VAPP Law
To provide clear legal protection, uniform penalties and survivor-centred justice mechanisms
across Kano. - Strengthening and Expanding Survivor Services
Including increased funding and operational support for the Waraka Sexual Assault Referral
Centre, which remains underfunded, overstretched and the sole specialised GBV response
facility in the state. - Increased Funding for GBV Prevention and Response Mechanisms
To support shelters, counselling services, legal aid, medical response and community outreach
programmes. - Expansion of Shelters and Safe Spaces Across LGAs
To ensure that survivors — especially children, adolescents and women fleeing violence — have access to immediate protection and emergency housing.
These demands reflect the collective priorities of civil society, community leaders and survivors
across Kano.
Reinforcing Public Awareness and Community Responsibility
Throughout the walk, Lift Africa Foundation reinforces core themes from the campaign:
- GBV is a human rights issue, not a private matter
- communities have a responsibility to protect vulnerable groups
- violence thrives where silence and stigma persist
- justice systems must be accessible, survivor-centred and responsive
Participants engage the public through chants, conversations and distribution of awareness
materials, creating community-level momentum that extends beyond the 16-day period.
Amplifying the Call for Legal and Institutional Reform
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the Zero Tolerance Walk demonstrates a shared
recognition that:
- Kano’s current protection mechanisms remain insufficient
- legal gaps undermine justice for survivors
- cross-sector collaboration is essential
- prevention must be matched by strong enforcement
- survivor voices must remain central to policy reform
The event strengthens public pressure on state authorities to take decisive and timely action
Lift Africa Foundation’s Ongoing Commitment
The conclusion of the 16 Days campaign marks not an end, but a renewed commitment from Lift
Africa Foundation to sustained advocacy and community engagement. The Foundation remains
dedicated to:
- pushing for the full domestication and implementation of the VAPP Act
- strengthening GBV response systems across Kano
- expanding community knowledge and prevention strategies
- supporting survivors through safe, accessible and dignified services
- holding institutions accountable for protection gaps
- promoting justice, dignity and equality for all women and girls
The Zero Tolerance Walk reinforces that ending GBV requires persistent action, political will
and collective responsibility — and Lift Africa Foundation stands firmly at the centre of this
movement.