30% of Nigerian women have experienced violence – Minister of Women’s Affairs

On November 26, 2024By Pranco

The Minister of Women, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, revealed that 30 percent of Nigerian women and girls between the ages of 15 and 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.

She made the statement on Monday in Abuja during a press conference and flag ceremony to mark the commencement of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV)held at the Ministry’s headquarters with this theme “Unite Campaign: Towards Beijing to prevent violence against women and girls.”

The minister, who described GBV as a social problem and a hindrance to development, expressed concern over the statistics in the country.

She said statistics show that women and girls are at high risk, stressing that “the growing trend represents a gross violation of human rights and undermines the fabric of society, preventing women and girls from achieving their full potential.

“Gender-based violence is not just a women’s problem; it is a social problem, a human rights problem and an obstacle to the development of our country.

“The statistics before us on GBV in Nigeria remain deeply disturbing. Even as we begin this campaign today, a small child has just been molested, a woman has just been abused, and a young girl’s life is in danger somewhere in the community, all for no reason at all.

“Current reports show that 30 percent of Nigerian women and girls between the ages of 15 and 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives,” she said.

Violence extends beyond homes

The minister noted that violence does not only occur at home, but also extends to schools, workplaces and communities.

“Violence knows no tribe or creed, it crosses social and economic boundaries. It affects both young and old. The most vulnerable; our young girls, women in conflict-affected areas and people with disabilities are at even greater risk.”

“This growing trend is unacceptable, represents a gross violation of human rights and hinders women and girls from reaching their full potential. It also slows down our country’s progress towards inclusive development. ”

She urged media partners to play a vital role in this campaign, and as we observe the 2024 Unite Campaign in Nigeria, we must collectively adopt a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder approach to tackle this widespread problem.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined plans to engage traditional and religious leaders to combat harmful cultural norms that perpetuate violence. She emphasized the need for education and community mobilization to challenge stereotypes and end harmful practices.
The Minister confirmed that the Ministry, in collaboration with its partners, will organize a series of activities nationwide during the 16-day campaign. These include awareness campaigns, school visits, workshops and an awareness walk to the National Assembly.

The initiatives will also focus on empowering girls in rural areas and improving support for survivors through Nigeria’s network of 47 sexual violence referral centres.

She noted: “We aim to strengthen the legislation and ensure its implementation. Today we celebrate Bauchi State for domesticating the Child Rights Act (2003), completing all 36 states, and 35 states now implementing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act (2015).”

UN Women highlights the economic impact of GBV

Ms Beatrice Eyong, the Country Representative of UN Women in Nigeria and ECOWAS, stressed that gender inequality and GBV are hindering Nigeria’s progress and costing the country 1.5% of its GDP annually.

She noted that 42% of women remain financially excluded, while women hold fewer than 5% of elective positions.

“GBV is everywhere, it is not good for men and women. It has the ability to reduce economic growth. If this is not reduced, we will never get out of poverty. It is not only a human rights issue, it is also an economic issue.

“Funding for gender equality and women’s empowerment has declined, and as experts we must come up with innovative ways to mobilize funds to combat the menace,” Eyong added.

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

He stated, “Every law we pass, every program we implement and every survivor we empower brings us closer to a Nigeria where women and girls can live free from fear and violence.”