Gloria Essien, Abuja
The leadership of Nigeria’s House of Representatives is resolutely dedicated to combating all forms of violence against women and girls throughout the nation. This commitment was displayed during a historic march aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence.
During the event, Speaker of the House, Mr. Tajudeen Abbas, highlighted alarming statistics, stating that a woman is killed by violence every ten seconds globally. He expressed deep concern, noting, “This year’s program comes at a time when women everywhere are expressing anger and frustration. The United Nations has reported that a woman is killed every ten minutes across the world.”
“This unacceptable trend requires us in parliament to unite with law enforcement more than ever before. We must work diligently to reduce this serious issue to its bare minimum. I assure you that the National Assembly is committed to taking every possible action to significantly diminish, if not entirely eradicate, violence against women and girls in the near future,” stated Mr. Abbas.
He assured attendees that the House of Representatives would actively participate in the forthcoming National Action Plan Against Violence Toward Women.
“We will ensure our presence in decision-making processes to create robust policies that will drastically lower incidents of violence against women and children,” he reaffirmed.
Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara, Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, emphasized the severity of the situation by noting that one in three women globally experiences gender-based violence. She urged law enforcement agencies to provide justice for victims who come forward.
“We demand justice. We refuse to tolerate harassment where lecturers threaten students with failure for refusal, or where employers exploit their staff under threat of termination. We absolutely reject all forms of violence against our daughters, our children. Fathers abusing daughters, uncles preying on children, and men violating women must end,” Mrs. Ogbara asserted.
As part of her advocacy, Mrs. Ogbara led a march to the office of the Inspector General of Police to present a petition calling for quicker justice for victims of gender-based violence.
“We are here to urge immediate intervention, comprehensive investigations, and prosecution related to gender-based violence. We implore you to act promptly during the upcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” she declared.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, who received the petition, committed to reviewing its contents and acting accordingly. He emphasized that addressing gender-based violence is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the police.
“Eradicating gender-based violence is not solely the duty of law enforcement; it requires the effort and commitment of all members of society,” he stated, acknowledging the devastating impact gender-based violence has on women and girls today.
Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, echoed similar sentiments, advocating for inter-ministerial collaboration to significantly reduce incidents of gender-based violence across Nigeria.
This year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
