16 Days Of Activism: Time To Confront The Scourge Of Gender-Based Violence
As the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign begins, global and local actors are intensifying efforts to combat violence against women and girls. The campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, is an initiative of UN Women and has become a global platform to raise awareness and drive collective action against gender-based violence (GBV).
This year’s theme, “Equality—Reducing Inequality and Advancing Human Rights,” underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to address GBV through legislative reforms, legal enforcement, and public awareness.
At a press conference in Abuja, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) revealed troubling data. From 2020 to 2023, Nigeria recorded 27,698 cases of sexual and gender-based violence, resulting in 1,145 fatalities, but only 393 convictions. In October 2024 alone, the NHRC received a staggering 427,606 complaints of human rights violations, underscoring the pervasive nature of violence against women and girls.
Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Nigeria must prioritize accountability for perpetrators. We cannot allow impunity to perpetuate violence against women and girls.”
Nigeria has made significant strides, including launching its first National Sexual Offenders Register in 2019, with earlier efforts by Lagos and Ekiti States. These registers publicly document the names of convicted sexual offenders to deter future crimes.
Additionally, the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Initiative, funded by the European Union, is working with the NHRC to establish Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across Nigeria to support survivors.
Ojukwu called on government agencies, civil society, and the media to collaborate in combating GBV. “We must galvanize efforts to create a safer environment for all individuals,” he urged. Advocacy visits to legislative bodies, community engagement, and public awareness campaigns will form the backbone of this year’s activism.
The NHRC and RoLAC stressed the need for deeper legislative action, effective policy implementation, and stringent sanctions to ensure justice for survivors. “We must hold perpetrators accountable and provide justice for victims and their families,” Ojukwu said.
The data paints a grim picture: one in three Nigerian women experiences violence in her lifetime, with adolescent girls particularly vulnerable. As the campaign unfolds, the focus remains on creating an environment where women and girls are safe, empowered, and protected by robust legal frameworks.
As the nation embarks on another round of the 16 Days of Activism, stakeholders are urged to unite in addressing this crisis. “This is a call to action for all—government, civil society, and citizens—to protect the rights and dignity of every woman and girl in Nigeria,” Ojukwu concluded.
