Today, November 25, 2024 marks the launch of the annual global campaign, **16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence**, highlighting the urgent need to combat violence against women and girls. This year’s theme, **”Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,”** deeply resonates with us at **Project Alert on Violence Against Women**. Established as a direct response to the **Beijing Platform for Action (BPA)**, Project Alert has dedicated 25 years to addressing gender-based violence in Nigeria.
The BPA, a significant outcome of the **4th World Conference on Women** in Beijing, China, in 1995, represents a historic commitment by global leaders to achieve gender equality and empower women. Among the **12 Critical Areas of Concern** identified within the BPA, violence against women remains a priority that requires continuous action from governments, NGOs, the private sector, and faith-based organizations.
Since its inception in **January 1999**, Project Alert has focused on the critical area of violence against women, providing multidimensional support through research, advocacy, and practical services. As we reflect on the progress made during this year’s **16 Days of Activism**, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting non-violence and addressing socio-cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence (GBV) and discrimination.
Over the past 25 years, Project Alert has enriched the discourse on gender-based violence through various programs, including **Research & Documentation**, **Human Rights Education**, and **Support Services**. We have published **31 reports** on different aspects of gender-based violence in Nigeria, including the groundbreaking national survey titled **”Beyond Boundaries,”** which assessed the prevalence, forms, and impacts of violence against women.
Our advocacy efforts have engaged men, faith leaders, community stakeholders, legislators, and individuals with disabilities, contributing to the enactment of laws and the establishment of intervention programs such as **sexual assault referral centers** and shelters. Notably, we founded **Sophia’s Place**, Nigeria’s first center for abused women, in May 2001. We also played a key role as an implementing partner in the global **Spotlight Initiative Programme** by the European Union and the United Nations.
Despite significant progress in combating violence against women globally and in Nigeria, challenges remain. The rise of social media has introduced new forms of gender-based violence, including trolling, stalking, and doxing. Technology-facilitated violence poses serious threats to women’s safety, both online and offline, necessitating urgent attention and action.
As we commence the **16 Days of Activism 2024**, we call for **renewed commitment, honesty, and intentionality** from all sectors—governments, religious leaders, traditional rulers, businesses, law enforcement, and NGOs. Together, we must ensure our actions do not enable gender-based violence to persist in our homes, communities, workplaces, schools, and places of worship.
Let us unite to create a safer and more equitable society for all.
Josephine Effah-Chukwuma
**Executive Director, Project Alert on Violence Against Women**
