This Action Research report by WRAPA, in partnership with the Centre for Islamic Civilisation and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID), Bayero University Kano, critically examines the legal and theological justifications used to excuse Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Nigeria
The research interrogates Section 55 of the Penal Code and Sections 353 and 360 of the Criminal Code, highlighting how certain provisions permit marital assault or create discriminatory punishments. It also provides an in-depth theological clarification of the Qur’anic term “Wadhribuhunna” (Qur’an 4:34), demonstrating that it is not a license for violence but a highly regulated, last-resort provision that does not override the Islamic principles of dignity, compassion, and non-harm.
Through doctrinal legal analysis, jurisprudential review, and stakeholder validation engagements in Kano and Kaduna, the study calls for legal reform, repeal of discriminatory provisions, strengthened judicial oversight, and sustained faith-based enlightenment to protect women’s rights in both private and public spheres.
Click below to download the full Gender Justice Action Research Report:
