Women group launches 16 days of activism against gender-based violence with a call to unite, invest

The National Council for Women’s Societies Nigeria, NCWS, has inaugurated the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, echoing the global theme: “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.”

The event, aimed at raising awareness and catalyzing action, brought together media, government officials, and advocates in a resounding call to end gender-based violence.

Addressing the press,President of NCWS, Hajiya Lami Adamu Lau, commended the Nigerian media for its ongoing commitment to advocating for women’s rights.

She emphasized the urgency of collective efforts and strategic investments to eradicate the pervasive issue of gender-based violence worldwide.

The theme “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls” serves as a rallying cry for governments, businesses, and communities to allocate resources and implement gender-friendly budgeting.

Lau stressed the critical role of investments in education, awareness campaigns, and community engagement to create environments fostering equality, respect, and safety.

Lau stated that Nigerian women are dedicating this 16 Days of Activism to advocating for concrete actions and investments.

Among their demands are the appointment of more women in leadership, the review and passage of gender bills, a supplementary budget for the implementation of crucial laws and policies, and increased protection for women and girls in educational institutions.

The National Council of Women’s Societies also highlighted the need for government intervention to alleviate the impact of current fiscal policies on Nigerian women, particularly those in rural communities facing extreme poverty.

As part of their commitment, the Council announced an awareness campaign and school debates on gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism.

Additionally, a one-day training session for national and state officers will focus on eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through grassroots organization movement building.

She said, “Today marks the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing action to end violence against women and girls

“As part of actions to demonstrate this commitment, Nigerian women, demand the following:

Appointment of more women in leadership and decision making spaces, to reduce the huge economic and power gaps.

“National Assembly should review and pass the 5 gender bills.Supplementary budget to accommodate the implementation of the VAPP law, the revised National gender policy and structured economic empowerment of women.

“Representation of Council in the committee identifying and mapping indigent households and beneficiaries of the social investment scheme/program.
“Protection of women and girls in institutions of learning against abduction, sexual exploitation and all forms of gender based violence
“Prompt dispensation of justice in the case against Prof Ndifon of University of Calabar, Law faculty and protection for survivors.

“Provision of sanitation infrastructure (toilets and free sanitary towels) in schools to reduce period poverty and avoidable girl-child drop out of school syndrome.”

“Review of media narratives and more balanced, unbiased, non judgemental reportage for women in leadership positions,”she said.

The National Council for Women’s Societies Nigeria remains resolute in its dedication to building a world where every person is treated with dignity and respect, free from the threat of gender-based violence.