By Dele Ogbodo
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs on Monday flagged-off the 2024 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Addressing stakeholders and the media on the overarching importance of the battle against GBV, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, acknowledged that the ugly menace has to be frontally addressed with a deep sense of urgency and hope as the Ministry commences the 16 Days of activism against GBV.
She underscored that the fight against gender-based violence is a battle for the soul of our society, which we must win, adding: “My expectation therefore, is that this 2024 16 Days of activism against GBV will be a rallying moment to unite our efforts, amplify our voices, demand action, and strengthen our resolve to end violence against women and girls in all its ramification across the country.”
According to her, the global campaign, which started on the 25th of November the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10th December Human Rights Day, should not be seen as just another calendar event.
It should serves as a stark reminder that violence against women and girls is not inevitable, but preventable, she added.
Ibrahim, said: “When I consider the amount of work ahead and compare it with the unwavering commitment and political-will demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu, and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, I am filled with confidence and hope.
“With their steadfast resolve and the support they have shown, I am confident that we can accelerate our efforts and achieve unprecedented progress. I also want to specially thank them for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading this all-important Ministry, at such a critical moment in our nation’s history, to drive initiatives that empower women, protect children, and promote inclusivity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
”For me, this year’s theme, “Unite Campaign: Towards Beijing to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls,” is particularly significant.
“And I think it should remind us of the commitments made almost 30 years ago at the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.
“That historic Conference started a global movement toward gender equality, and its declaration, popularly referred to as the Beijing Platform for Action with its 12 thematic areas still serves as the blueprint for a world free from discrimination and violence.
“The UNiTE campaign utilises the colour orange as a unifying theme running through all its global activities. The orange colour combines yellow and red to present optimism, positive energy and a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls.”
According to the Minister, the occasion provides us yet another opportunity to renew those commitments and take deliberate action to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls across Nigeria.
“Gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue, a human rights issue, and an impediment to our nation’s development.
“As you are already aware, the statistics before us on gender-based violence in Nigeria remain deeply troubling. Even as we embark on this campaign today, somewhere in a community, a little child has just violated, a woman has just been abused, a young girl’s life is at risk, all for no just cause.
“Current Reports indicate that 30% of Nigerian women and girls aged between 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
“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 ugly trend which is growing, the Minister asserts is unacceptable and represents a gross violation of human rights and undermines the very fabric of our society, adding: “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.
As we observe the 2024 Unite Campaign in Nigeria, we must collectively adopt a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach to address this pervasive issue. Our campaign will focus on key activities which include, she added.
“We will strengthening legislation and policy Implementation. We are glad to note that as at today, Bauchi State has finally domesticated the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003) bringing the total to 36 States, while 35 States have domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015.
“We commend all the Nigeria Governors Forum and their Spouses, as well as the State Assemblies for this milestone.
“Domestication is the starting point, effective implementation of the laws is important across all States. This includes addressing gaps in enforcement and ensuring access to justice for survivors.
“As you are aware, survivors need support systems that include access to medical care, psychosocial support, safe spaces, and economic empowerment opportunities.
“I am happy to note that there are currently 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) spread across 22 States and the Federal Capital Territory to receive free medical, counselling and support services.
“We are also working towards the establishment of psychosocial support centers and expansion of these services nationwide.” She said.
However, she admitted that GBV is not a women’s issue alone, explaining that stakeholders 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.” She said.
“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.
“As we march towards the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration in 2025, it is important to note that the Ministry and its State counterparts, were statutorily established as the National mechanisms for the advancement of women, as a fall out of Beijing Conference to address the issues and concerns of women and children and to promote inclusion.
“I assure you that under my watch, the Ministry remains committed to upholding its coordinating role to ensure that the issues are properly synergized, documented for appropriate policy action, implementation and monitoring to ensure progress is achieved.
“We must remain steadfast in our pursuit of a Nigeria where every woman and girl lives free from violence, fear, and discrimination. It is a necessity for our shared prosperity.”
In his remark, the Permanent Secretary, Amb. Gabriel Aduda, also acknowledged that the annual global campaign remains a powerful rallying cry against the entrenched injustices faced by women and girls usually organized under the theme, “Towards Beijing+30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
He added that this year’s activities call on all of us to recommit to the goals set nearly 30 years ago at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing.
“As we approach Beijing +30, we must pause to reflect on the progress we have made, identify the gaps that remain, and accelerate our collective action to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
“The grim reality is this: Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue in our societies, transcending borders, cultures, and socioeconomic status.
“It continues to rob individuals of their dignity, undermine families, and hinder national development. In Nigeria, statistics paint a sobering picture, with a significant percentage of women and girls experiencing violence in their lifetimes. This is unacceptable, and we must act with urgency.”