30% of Nigerian women, girls aged 15–49 have experienced violence – Minister

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has raised alarm over the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, revealing that 30% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.

She made this revelation in Abuja during the flag-off ceremony for the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, themed “Unite Campaign: Towards Beijing to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim described GBV as a societal menace undermining human rights and development. She lamented that despite ongoing efforts, violence against women and girls remains pervasive, occurring in homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

“Violence cuts across social and economic boundaries, affecting young and old, particularly vulnerable groups like girls in conflict-affected areas and persons with disabilities,” she stated.

The minister expressed deep concern about the societal impact of GBV, noting its devastating effects on victims and its impediment to national progress.

“This growing trend is unacceptable. It undermines the very fabric of society and prevents women and girls from achieving their full potential. As we speak, a child is being violated, a woman is being abused, and a girl’s life is at risk somewhere in Nigeria,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized.

The Minister called for a unified, multi-sectoral approach involving government, media, traditional and religious leaders, and community stakeholders to combat GBV. She highlighted the Ministry’s plans for the 16-day campaign, which include:

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also celebrated recent legislative progress, noting that all 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act (2003), and 35 states are implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act (2015).

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Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized the economic toll of GBV, which costs Nigeria 1.5% of its GDP annually.

“Gender inequality and GBV are not only human rights violations but also economic issues. Without tackling these, Nigeria cannot achieve sustained economic growth or overcome poverty,” Eyong said. She urged innovative funding strategies to address gender equality and women empowerment amid declining financial resources.

Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, called on stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and address the root causes of GBV.

“Every law enacted, every program implemented, and every survivor empowered brings us closer to a Nigeria where women and girls can live free from fear and violence,” Aduda stated.

The 16 Days of Activism campaign underscores the urgency of addressing GBV as a societal, economic, and human rights issue, with stakeholders pledging renewed efforts to eradicate this menace.