BY AKUDORO GLORIA
Reports have indicated that over 30 per cent of Nigerian women and girls aged 15 to 49 years have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
The Minister of Women AffairsWomen Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, made the disclosure at a media briefing and flag-off of the 2024 16-Days Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) held at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
The 16-Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that commences on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until December 10, Human Rights Day. It is a time when individuals and organizations around the world galvanize action to end violence against women and girls, a human rights violation that affects an estimated one in three women worldwide.
The Minister, during the opening of the event, lamented over the alarming prevalence of GBV cases across various social and economic spheres, particularly among vulnerable groups such as young girls, women in conflict zones, and those with disabilities.
“This violence occurs not only in homes, but extends to schools, workplaces, and communities. Violence does not know any tribe nor creed, it cuts across social and economic boundaries. It affects both young and old. The most vulnerable; our young girls, women in conflict-affected areas, and those living with disabilities face even greater risks.
“The growing trend is unacceptable and represents a gross violation of human rights and undermines the very fabric of our society. It prevents women and girls from achieving their full potential and hinders our nation’s progress toward inclusive development. The role of our media partners in this campaign is crucial. While using your platforms to amplify the voices of survivors, also highlight success stories, and hold perpetrators accountable, we must avoid victim blaming,” she stated.
Highlighting the importance of providing support system to GBV survivors, the Minister asserted that currently, 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) have been established to provide free medical, psychosocial, safe spaces, and economic empowerment services to survivors across 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Suleiman-Ibrahim further revealed the Ministry’s ongoing effort towards the establishment of psychosocial support centers and expansion of these services nationwide.
According to the Minister, “Gender-based violence is not a women’s issue alone. We must also deliberately engage men and boys as active allies in this fight. I invite you to also advocate and promote positive masculinity and challenge patriarchal attitudes. We must work to foster a culture of respect and equality.
“To monitor and evaluate our progress, we will strengthen our data collection mechanisms. Availability of accurate data will inform policies, programmes, and resource allocation while ensuring accountability at all levels. In a few days from now, the existing National Electronic Dashboard on GBV Data will be up and running.
The Minister who spoke on this year’s theme, “Unite Campaign: Towards Beijing to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,” said it is particularly significant as it is a reminder of the commitments made almost 30 years ago at the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.
In honour of this year’s 16-Days of Activism against GBV campaign, Suleiman-Ibrahim underscored key activities such as: increasing awareness campaign through community mobilization and education to combat harmful cultural norms, stereotypes, and practices that perpetuate violence; and bolstering the implementation of laws and policies across states to close enforcement gaps and guarantees survivors’ access to justice.
She recognized the unwavering commitment and political will demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and expressed confidence and hope on accelerating efforts and achieve unprecedented progress.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, commended the efforts of development partners, NGOs and gender activists and urged everyone to move beyond rhetoric and amplify voices, strengthen actions and deepen resolve to address the root causes of GBV.
“Every law we enact, every program we implement and every survivor we empower, brings us closer to a Nigeria where women and girls can leave free from fear and violence,” he added.