Unite! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls was 2022’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism which is observed yearly from November 25th - December 10th (International Human Rights Day). This campaign also serves to commemorate the Mirabal sisters who were Dominican Republic activists who were murdered at the order of Rafael Trujilllo in 1960. The United Nations aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence against women and girls as we have alarming global statistics which show the need to increase the advocacy efforts at all levels.
- More than 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence during their lifetime.
- In 2021, nearly 1 in 5 women aged 20-24 were married before turning 18.
- Less than 40 per cent of women who experience violence seek help of any sort.
As CSOs and other activist join hands to #PushForward the values enshrined in this campaign require more women and girls to Speak up and Speak out - calling out all forms of sexual harassment, physical and emotional violence whilst understanding the signs indicative of imminent violence.
Challenging beliefs that promote inequality in the society whilst promoting positive masculinity, funding to support more women-led groups who show active participation in these interventions who serve in such capacities will assist in empowering more women to aspire to leadership positions.
Emergency services response time to gender related cases should improve and follow through with guidelines in-line with international code of conduct in treating gender-based reported cases such that the dignity and fundamental human rights of such victims is upheld always.
Enforcement of existing laws to punish offenders should be reinforced. Here in Nigeria the 2015 Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) VAPP Act (as at Nov. 2022 - 34 out of 36 states and the FCT have domesticated the Act) though delays in seeking justice is still a major contributor to victims not coming forward.
More women and human rights groups need to work closely to revisit gender focused bills at the next 10th National Assembly to garner the needed support from the House. There is also the call for more men to support women for leadership roles.
Since the Nigerian 6th Assembly (2007) - 9th Assembly (2019) female legislators have pushed for 35% affirmative action: this forms a core of the National Gender Policy. (NGP) recommends for more inclusive representation of women in both elective political and appointive public service positions respectively. At the start of the 9th Assembly only 19 women out of 479 members are represented at the federal parliament.