The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has urged for stronger efforts to combat gender-based violence in Nigeria, revealing that 30 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.
During a media briefing on Monday to kick off the 2024 “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign in Abuja, she highlighted the urgent need to tackle this widespread issue, which she called a societal challenge hindering national development.
The minister stated: “Gender-based violence is a gross violation of human rights. It prevents women and girls from reaching their full potential and undermines our nation’s progress. Violence knows no tribe or creed—it cuts across social and economic boundaries.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted the rising rates of abuse, especially among vulnerable groups, including women in conflict zones, girls with disabilities, and young girls in rural areas.
While she acknowledged progress in legislative reforms, such as the domestication of the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, she emphasised the need for effective enforcement of these laws.
The ministry, in collaboration with partners, will focus on empowering girls in rural communities and enhancing survivor support through Nigeria’s 47 sexual assault referral centres.
The minister called on stakeholders to adopt a multi-sectoral approach, engage men and boys as allies, and promote education to challenge harmful cultural norms.
She also announced the launch of a national electronic dashboard to improve data collection and accountability in gender-based violence prevention.
30% of Nigerian women experience gender-based violence – Sulaiman-Ibrahim