An Abuja-based non-governmental organization (NGO), the FAME Foundation, has kicked off the 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which will be held between November 25th and December 10th, 2023.
The Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Arabinrin Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, said the theme for this year’s program, “Unite: Invest to Prevent Violence against Women and Girls,” was carefully selected to address the prevalent gender-based violence against women and girls in society.
Ogunleye-Bello, while addressing the media on the upcoming event, said it would be all-encompassing. According to her, the event will involve visits to schools and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the FCT, community outreach, social media campaigns, and, most importantly, engagement with men and boys on the need to understand that women and girls are not to be abused or have their rights violated under any circumstances.
She emphasised the need for a collective effort in the fight against GBV, calling on individuals, corporate organizations, and the government to stem the tide of GBV in Nigeria.
“Gender-based violence is a widespread problem that affects individuals irrespective of gender. It thrives in silence and is often fueled by societal norms and shame. Of course, girls and women are often the target, but men are victims too. This year, FAME Foundation will be focusing on boys and men in our campaign. It is time to break these chains and create safe spaces for survivors to speak out and seek support.
“We have a lot of people talking for the girls. FAME Foundation is one hundred percent gender-focused; we are gender-biased. For the past five years, we have been campaigning and seeking justice and protecting the girl-child and the women who have been abused. And when you look at the data of the perpetrators of these acts against women, they are men. So, it’s about time we start engaging with them. We want them to be partners in eradicating GBV from our society.
“Survivors often carry the weight of their experiences, leading to a cycle of trauma. We need to understand that the impact of GBV transcends physical scars. It deeply affects one’s mental health and overall well-being. Educating, empowering, and supporting survivors pave the way for a more equitable and just society.
“We must unite men, women, boys, and girls to stand against GBV. Silence perpetuates the cycle. It’s time for us all to lend our voices, listen without judgment, and support survivors in their journey toward healing.
“We have a lineup of activities for this year’s 16 days of activism. It comprises a press conference, outreach in different schools and communities, social media campaigns, and boys and men dialogue in Internally Displaced Persons camps (IDPs) discussions, which will engage boys and men. All these activities aim to spark conversations, challenge societal norms, and encourage meaningful action to eliminate gender-based violence.
“The time has come for a collective effort in the fight against GBV. I want to urge individuals and organizations to unite and advocate for a world where everyone can live free from fear, discrimination, and violence,” Ogunleye-Bello said.
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