Lawmakers unite against gender-based violence in Nigeria

In Nigeria, hundreds of participants including women's rights activists and lawmakers gathered for a rally on gender-based violence on November 25, 2024. The event was part of the UN-backed '16 Days of Activism' campaign aimed at raising awareness against gender-based violence, which runs annually from November 25 to December 10. This particular rally coincided with the 25th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Abbas Tajudeen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the need for a united front in parliament to combat this issue effectively. Statistics reveal that about one-third of women aged 15 to 49 in Nigeria face physical or sexual assault during their lifetimes, marking the country as home to approximately 20 million survivors of gender-based violence, which is about 10% of the global total. The challenges in addressing gender-based violence in Nigeria include low awareness, cultural biases, and trust issues in the justice system. Raquel Kasham Daniel, founder of the 'Beyond the Classroom Foundation', advocated for stronger legal frameworks to penalize perpetrators of gender-based violence, including support for a sexual harassment bill aimed at educational institutions. Women's Affairs Minister Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim announced the introduction of a national electronic dashboard system designed for improved data collection and accountability in addressing gender-based violence. Suleiman-Ibrahim stressed the importance of reviewing existing laws to better protect survivors and ensure their rights are upheld. She assured participants that this occasion serves as a vital opportunity to renew commitment towards the safety and dignity of women and girls in Nigeria. Moreover, statistics provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reveal alarming trends, showing that Africa had the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicide last year, overshadowing other regions like the Americas and Oceania. As Nigeria continues its efforts to combat gender-based violence, it becomes increasingly essential for authorities and lawmakers to collaborate with civil society organizations and the community at large to bring effective change and support for survivors. More than ever, unity and collective action are deemed necessary to create a safer environment for women and vulnerable populations across the nation, reinforcing the message that gender-based violence is a pressing, unacceptable global concern that requires an immediate and sustained response at all levels of society.