30% of Nigerian women face gender-based violence — Women Affairs Minister

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has said according to reports, 30 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have suffered physical or sexual violence.

The Minister revealed this during a briefing on Monday to launch the 2024 ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign with the theme ‘Unite Campaign: Towards Beijing to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls’, scheduled for November 25 to December 10.

She stated that gender-based violence is a societal and human rights issue, which is impeding the growth of the country, saying, “When women and girls thrive, sustainable development is assured.

“Let me assure you, that this 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 been 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 or 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.

“As we kick off this campaign today, let it mark the beginning of a stronger, more united effort to end gender-based violence in our country. When women and girls thrive, sustainable development is assured.”

The Minister assured that the Ministry, in collaboration with partners, will organize various events across the country during the 16-day campaign, including sensitization campaigns, school visits, workshops, and an awareness walk to the National Assembly. Efforts will also focus on empowering girls in rural communities and enhancing survivor support through Nigeria’s 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres.

She added, “We will strengthen legislation and its implementation. Today, we celebrate Bauchi State’s domestication of the Child Rights Act (2003), making it all 36 states, while 35 states have now domesticated the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act (2015).”

The Minister also disclosed that there were 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres across 22 states to provide medical care, psychosocial support, and empowerment opportunities for GBV survivors.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gabriel Aduda, urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and deepen efforts to address the root causes of GBV.

“Every law we enact, every programme we implement, and every survivor we empower brings us closer to a Nigeria where women and girls can live free from fear and violence,” he said.

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