By DAYO ADESULU
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for urgent measures to combat gender-based violence (GBV) as the world commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on November 25. Her remarks, shared on social media platform X, also mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign to raise awareness and drive action against gender-based violence.
“One in Three Women Experience Violence”: A Global Crisis
The First Lady underscored the alarming statistic that nearly one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. She also highlighted harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), which persist in parts of Nigeria, often under the guise of cultural or religious justifications.
Education as a Key Solution
Senator Tinubu emphasised the transformative power of education, particularly for girls, in breaking cycles of violence and inequality.
“Formal education for the girl child remains the key to liberating them and helping them make informed choices,” she said.
Her advocacy aligns with global evidence showing that education empowers women and girls, enabling them to resist violence and harmful practices.
Strengthening Support Systems and Accountability
The First Lady called for:
- Timely prosecution of perpetrators to deter GBV crimes.
- Increased support for survivors through accessible resources and services.
- Community-driven prevention efforts to create safer environments for women and girls.
Global Campaign and Local Relevance
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was established in 1999 by the United Nations General Assembly to honour the legacy of the Mirabal sisters, political activists from the Dominican Republic assassinated in 1960. The day also marks the launch of the 16 Days of Activism, concluding on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
In Nigeria, gender rights advocates like Amina Yusuf praised the First Lady’s focus on education, while legal experts such as Chidi Nwosu emphasised the need for strict prosecution and justice for survivors.
“Prosecution of offenders and justice for survivors must go hand in hand with community-based preventive efforts,” Nwosu stated.
A Call for Collective Action
Senator Tinubu concluded with a heartfelt appeal for all Nigerians to challenge harmful behaviours and foster a safer society:
“Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence.”
Her call resonates as Nigeria and the world mobilise resources and awareness during this critical campaign to eliminate violence against women and girls.
