The Initiative for Research, Innovation, and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has decried the increasing cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as Nigeria recorded over 27,000 cases between 2020 and 2024.
This is as IRIAD collaborated with the Electoral Hub and citizens of the world in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV.
The partnership positions IRIAD to focus on research, innovation, and advocacy for development-related issues, particularly in governance, human rights, and electoral processes in Nigeria, while The Electoral Hub, an IRIAD affiliate concentrates on electoral reforms and promoting inclusive participation in the country’s democratic processes.
The 16 days of activism is themed “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls”.
This campaign runs from the 25th of November 2024 which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through the 10th of December 2024 which is the Human Rights Day.
The Director at IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, in a document sent to THE WHISTLER, said it is a crucial opportunity to advocate for an end to violence against women and girls.
She said, “16 Days of Activism raises awareness about the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and advocates for its eradication, emphasizing the critical need for collective action and sustained commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls.
“In Nigeria, GBV remains a pressing challenge exacerbated by socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and ongoing conflicts and insecurity across the nation.
“The over 27,000 reported cases of violence against women and girls (VAWG) between 2020 and 2024 highlights the urgent need for sustained advocacy and intervention to end this scourge against women and girls”.
She highlighted the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Kaduna State where “nearly 3,977 cases of sexual and gender-based violence since its inception in 2019 were reported”, while “Lagos State documented over 24,009 cases” across all local government areas between January 2019 and December 2023.
The gap between policy and practice reveals the need for effective implementation and enforcement mechanisms, she noted.
She decried the exacerbating cases of femicide while emphasizing the urgent need for legal reforms and stronger protective measures for women.
She said, “The government must take the lead in enforcing existing laws such as the VAPP Act across all states. It must ensure legal frameworks are robust enough to protect survivors while holding perpetrators accountable. Increased funding for GBV prevention programs is essential to create safe spaces for victims and provide necessary resources for support services.
“Civil society organizations play a crucial role in combating GBV through advocacy and community engagement. CSOs should implement educational programs that challenge harmful cultural norms and promote gender equity is vital to fostering long-term change.
“Community leaders, including traditional rulers and religious figures, are essential in shaping societal attitudes towards GBV and advocate against GBV and promote healthy relationships based on mutual respect.
“Educational institutions must incorporate comprehensive education on gender equity and human rights into their curriculums. By instilling values of respect and equity from a young age, schools can play a significant role in preventing future incidents of GBV.
“Media outlets have a responsibility to highlight stories of survivors rather than sensationalizing cases of violence. By using their platforms to educate the public about the realities of GBV, the media can promote campaigns that encourage reporting and support for victims” the IRAD call to action reads.
Be Strict In Enforcing Law Against Gender-Based Violence, Group Tells Govt is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
