Minister of Women Affairs has urged relevant authorities to work assiduously to reinvigorate stakeholders mobilisation, awareness creation and provision of support services to victims of Gender Based Violence (GBV).
According to the Head, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Grace Njoku, this is in preparation for the upcoming 16 Days of activism against issues of GBV.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the need to ensure sustainability of the issues raised at the 2nd planning meeting held Monday, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, to facilitate robust arrangements that will drive significant impact in addressing GBV issues in the country.
Represented by the Director, Women Development Department of the Ministry, Friya Bulus, the Minister said the incidences of reported cases gender based violence soared to frightening levels in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, and noted that this led to the Federal Executive Council passing a resolution that called for urgent measures against the menace, as well as a declaration of the State of Emergency against GBV in the country by the 36 State Governors.
“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a hydra-headed monster affecting millions of women, children and marginalised communities in Nigeria”, she said.
She called on government at all levels, civil society organizations and the private sector to accelerate progress towards ending violence against women and girls.
Activities lined up for the commemoration of this celebration themed: ‘Towards Beijing +30: UNITE to End Violence Against Women and Girls’, among others, include, Town Hall Meeting with Women Groups, GBV Awareness rallies in 6 geopolitical zones in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Flag off of Nationwide campaigns with the release of Helium Balloons as well as interdenominational prayers for Muslims and Christians (in all mosques and churches nationwide).
The 2024 observance provides the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs as the National Mechanism for the advancement of women in Nigeria, under the leadership of Hon. Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim to consolidate on the gains made in the past through the efforts of the Federal Government, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and international partners in addressing GBV.
The planning meeting brought together participants from the public and private sector.