The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, led a significant march through the streets of Abuja on Saturday, joined by prominent women activists, to demand an end to violence against women.
The march, organized by UN Women in collaboration with the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) and Medicaid Cancer Foundation, was part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Participants carried placards denouncing violence against women as a “crime against humanity” and called for urgent action to address the issue.
Call for Collective Action
Addressing the media, Mr. Fall underscored the alarming statistics of gender-based violence, emphasizing the need for collective action. “This is a crime that affects everyone—women, girls, boys, and society at large,” he said. He called on governments, law enforcement agencies, and leaders in all sectors to raise awareness and ensure accountability.
Legislation and Awareness
Dr. Zainab Bagudu, founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and former First Lady of Kebbi State, highlighted the importance of implementing existing laws and raising awareness. She stressed the need to educate communities about what constitutes abuse, provide facilities to support victims, and ensure a supportive environment for reporting incidents.
“Abuse often stems from ignorance,” Dr. Bagudu said. “We must educate both boys and girls to foster understanding and prevent future violence. Advocacy must continue to drive systemic change and resource allocation.”
Scaling Advocacy Efforts
Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory, emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement. “Campaigns like this must expand and involve intentional collaborations between governments, private sectors, and community stakeholders,” she noted.
National and Global Impact
Adeola Potts-Johnson, Project Manager at WARIF, celebrated the campaign’s growing influence, from local cities to global platforms. She reiterated WARIF’s commitment to eradicating violence against women.
“We are determined to keep pushing until violence against women is eradicated,” she said.
The march reflects a growing call for justice, protection, and systemic reforms to safeguard the rights of women and girls across Nigeria and beyond.
