Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim has called for the need to have survivors support systems that include access to medical care, psychosocial support, safe spaces, and economic empowerment opportunities to help victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
Speaking during a press briefing held yesterday to commence the 2024, 16-Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with the theme: "Unite Campaign: Towards Beijing to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls", Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed that in Nigeria, there were currently 47 Sexual Assault Referral Centres, SARCs, spread across 22 States and the Federal Capital Territory to receive free medical, counselling and support services for such victims.
She said that the Government was also working towards the establishment of psychosocial support centers and expansion of these services nationwide.
She said, "I speak to you today with a deep sense of urgency and hope as we commence the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in 2024. The fight against gender-based violence is a battle for the soul of our society, which we must win.
"My expectation therefore, is that this 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 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 in Nigeria.
"This global campaign, which starts today, 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 assured that the occasion provided yet another opportunity to renew those commitments and take deliberate action to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls across Nigeria noting that Gender-based violence was not just a women’s issue; it is a societal issue, a human rights issue, and an impediment to the nation's development.
"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," she said.
According to the Minister, the growing trend was unacceptable and represents a gross violation of human rights and undermines the very fabric of the society adding that, "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 said that violence against women and girls was preventable and it was a collective responsibility as government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, the media, individuals, the development partners and donor communities to join in these activities, to foster a sense of shared responsibility and a collective pursuit of a society free from Gender-Based Violence, GBV.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda said that this annual global campaign remains a powerful rallying cry against the entrenched injustices faced by women and girls.
He said, "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."
Aduda noted that the grim reality was this: Gender-Based Violence, GBV, remains a pervasive issue in societies, transcending borders, cultures, and socioeconomic status.
He stated that it continues to rob individuals of their dignity, undermine families, and hinder national development as in Nigeria, statistics paint a sobering picture, with a significant percentage of women and girls experiencing violence in their lifetimes saying that, "This is unacceptable, and we must act with urgency."
He said, "Today, as we flag off this year’s campaign, I would like to emphasize three priorities: Reinforcing Commitments: The theme reminds us of our responsibility to uphold the commitments made at Beijing and in subsequent frameworks. Let us work together to ensure that our policies, laws, and actions reflect a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence.
"Strengthening Collaboration: This event exemplifies the importance of multi-sectoral partnerships. Governments, development partners, civil society organizations, and gender activists must join forces to amplify our impact. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can bring about lasting change.
"Empowering Survivors: Beyond prevention, we must ensure that survivors of violence receive the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. Access to justice, healthcare, psychosocial support, and safe spaces must be prioritized.
"As we embark on the 16 Days of Activism, I urge us all to move beyond rhetoric. We must amplify our voices, strengthen our actions, and deepen our 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 live free from fear and violence."
He also encouraged government officials, parliamentarian, partners, and activist to see themselves as part of the solution adding that, "Together, we can create a society that respects, protects, and uplifts every individual, regardless of gender."
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