Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has voiced her strong opposition to gender-based violence, describing it as a deeply rooted issue that demands urgent attention.
Speaking during the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Mrs Tinubu called the campaign a positive step towards addressing the problem.
She emphasised that educating the girl child remains a powerful tool to free them from cycles of violence and empower them to make informed decisions.
In her statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on 25th November, the First Lady highlighted the alarming global statistics.
“Gender-based violence remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, with nearly one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime,” she said.
Mrs Tinubu also drew attention to the persistence of harmful practices in Nigeria, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, which are often justified under the guise of cultural or religious beliefs.
“Although we are making remarkable progress, however, many women and girls, especially in rural and underserved areas, remain trapped in these cycles of violence and inequality,” she noted.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to take unified action to combat gender-based violence. She stressed the importance of reporting cases, ensuring timely prosecution of offenders, and providing stronger support for victims and survivors to foster safer environments for women and girls.
“As we observe these 16 days of activism, I urge us to seize this period as a call to action for each of us to challenge harmful behaviours. For me, formal education for the girl child remains the key to liberating them and helping them make informed choices,” she said.
She concluded with a plea for collective effort: “Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence.”
Global Campaign Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: 16 Days of Activism
The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence takes place from November 25 to December 10, focusing on raising awareness and taking action to end violence against women and girls.
The campaign begins with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and concludes on Human Rights Day, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
Launched in 2008, the UN’s “UNITE by 2030 to End Violence Against Women” campaign runs alongside the 16 Days of Activism, calling for global efforts to address violence at home, in workplaces, and across society.
This year’s theme, “Time to Act Now,” urges immediate action to combat the rising tide of violence.
Statistics reveal that one in three women worldwide face physical or sexual violence, often from intimate partners. The campaign highlights that violence against women is not a private issue but a societal problem requiring systemic change to protect rights and dignity.
The initiative serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality and the urgent need to eliminate violence in all forms to unlock the full potential of women and girls globally.
