The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced an extensive lineup of activities to mark the 2025 International 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, coinciding with the Commission’s 30th anniversary.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on three decades of advancing justice and human dignity in Nigeria, while reaffirming that gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the country’s most pressing human rights challenges.
“For 30 years, the Commission has remained a steadfast voice for accountability and human rights,” Ojukwu said. “This year’s campaign gives us the opportunity not only to reflect on our journey but to intensify the fight against all forms of violence, especially against women and girls.”
The 16 Days of Activism — held annually from November 25 to December 10 — is a global campaign initiated in 1991 by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership. It connects the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with Human Rights Day, underscoring that violence against women constitutes a fundamental violation of human rights.
Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the global movement, stressing that survivors must be “heard, supported, and protected.”
This year’s programme will feature coordinated events across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, making it one of the NHRC’s most expansive campaigns yet. According to Ojukwu, activities will focus on strengthening prevention mechanisms, improving accountability, and reinforcing protection systems nationwide.
As part of its anniversary message, the Commission renewed its call on the National Assembly to pass legislation establishing special constituencies for women to boost female political representation.
“Denying affirmative action is itself a form of violence against women,” the NHRC stated, adding that true empowerment must include equitable political participation.
The Commission also highlighted several ongoing empowerment initiatives in collaboration with local and international partners. These include support for more than 60 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence under the EU/UNDP Spotlight Initiative; financial assistance for vulnerable women through the Taipei Trade Office; economic empowerment for over 100 indigent women via the Thelma Lion Foundation; distribution of vocational equipment to more than 300 women in partnership with members of the National Assembly; and continued collaboration with the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation to support SGBV survivors.
“These interventions are meant to strengthen the socio-economic resilience of women and reduce vulnerabilities,” Ojukwu said.
He assured Nigerians of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fairness and accountability, noting that no case of GBV or human rights violation would be overlooked.
As the 16-day global campaign begins, Ojukwu urged government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, private sector stakeholders, and citizens to join forces to end violence against women.
“Awareness is not enough,” he said. “We must turn commitments into action and build a Nigeria where women and girls can live free from fear, discrimination, and harmful practices.”
