Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, on Monday joined the global community to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, kicking off the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence (GBV).
Highlighting the global prevalence of gender-based violence, she noted that nearly one in three women worldwide face physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
In Nigeria, harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation persist, often driven by cultural and religious norms.
In her statement, Senator Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s progress but stressed that many women and girls, particularly in rural and underserved areas, still endure violence and inequality.
“We must take collective action across all sectors of society. Reporting and timely prosecution of perpetrators, increased support for victims and survivors are vital to creating safer environments for women and girls,” she said.
As the 16 days of activism begin, she called on Nigerians to challenge harmful behaviors and emphasized the importance of formal education for the girl child as a tool for empowerment and informed decision-making.
“Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence,” Senator Tinubu urged.
The annual campaign aims to drive global awareness and action against violence targeting women and girls, fostering a culture of equality and safety for all.
