In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, scores of women marched through the streets of Abuja yesterday, calling for immediate action to tackle the escalating cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria. The march, organized by UN Women in collaboration with the National Assembly, marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign to end violence against women and girls.
Participants carried placards with messages such as “No Tolerance to Rape, Sexual Violence, Child Sexual Abuse, and Sex Trafficking,” and “Say No to Coercion, Harassment, and Exploitation.” Over 1,000 attendees, including policymakers, civil society organizations, activists, and members of the public, joined the solidarity walk, which started at the National Assembly and ended at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters.
Speaking to journalists, Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, emphasized the urgency of sustained efforts to combat GBV beyond the 16-day campaign.
“Research shows that one in three women globally experience gender-based violence. In Nigeria, the National Demographic and Health Survey indicates that 30% of women aged 15 to 49 have suffered physical violence, often from intimate partners,” Ogbara said. She called on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to ensure justice for victims and urged the public to reject all forms of violence.
“There is no justification for violence against our women and girls. They are our mothers, daughters, and sisters. Violence, harassment, and exploitation in any form must stop,” she added.
Receiving the petition, Inspector General Egbetokun reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to eradicating GBV. He highlighted persistent issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and harmful traditional practices, pledging to uphold the force’s gender policy introduced in 2006.
“This is a collective fight. Everyone in society has a role to play in eliminating GBV,” he said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, also expressed the commitment of the 10th House to intensify efforts against GBV.
“The National Assembly will do everything possible to drastically reduce, if not completely eliminate, violence against women and girls,” Tajudeen said. He further announced the House’s involvement in the upcoming national action plan to address GBV and promised support for pro-poor policies to protect vulnerable populations.
The march underscored the need for continued collaboration between government institutions, law enforcement, and civil society to create a safer society for women and girls.
