The United Nations Systems in Nigeria has urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) and dismantle harmful cultural practices that perpetuate inequality.
This call was made during the Joint UN Accountability Forum and Orange Lighting Ceremony held at the UN House in Abuja, themed “Towards Beijing+30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Dr. Nesreen El-Molla, UN Women Deputy Representative to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the Gender Thematic Group, highlighted the socio-economic impact of GBV on Nigeria’s development, emphasizing that each statistic represents a life affected.
“Today’s event is a call to action for all of us to advocate for a Nigeria free from violence against women and girls. We must engage traditional and faith leaders, the private sector, and communities to reshape the narrative around gender equality and uphold human rights,” El-Molla said.
She reiterated UN Women’s commitment to strengthening policy and legislative reforms, expanding survivor support services, and working with community leaders to combat harmful practices.
UNESCO Nigeria Head, Abdourahamane Diallo, stressed the importance of education in tackling GBV, particularly in marginalized communities. “UNESCO aligns with the Beijing Platform for Action by promoting gender equality through education and integrating GBV prevention into national policies,” Diallo noted.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, called for strategic action and data-driven interventions to close gender gaps, noting that bridging these gaps could add $15 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2050. “Effective resource allocation in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment is essential for progress,” she said.
Dr. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, Country Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for Nigeria, commended Nigeria’s leadership in ratifying the ILO Convention Against Violence and Harassment, emphasizing ongoing support for workplace safety initiatives.
Event Highlights:
- Orange Lighting Ceremony: Symbolizing hope and unity for a future free of violence against women and girls.
- Beijing+30 Report Launch: Showcasing progress and outlining priorities for achieving gender equality in Nigeria.
The event reaffirmed the commitment of the UN, government, and stakeholders to create a safer, more equitable Nigeria for women and girls.
