The House of Representatives has pledged to end all forms of violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
During a historic march against gender-based violence, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas highlighted alarming statistics, stating that a woman dies from violence every ten minutes worldwide. He described the trend as unacceptable and vowed that the National Assembly would work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to reduce such violence to the barest minimum.
Abbas promised active participation in the upcoming National Action Plan Against Women Violence, emphasizing the House’s commitment to enacting robust policies to combat violence against women, children, and girls.
Hon Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, noted that one in three women globally experience gender-based violence. She urged security agencies to ensure justice for victims and condemned various forms of abuse, including workplace harassment, family-based violence, and sexual exploitation.
Ogbara led a march to the office of the Inspector General of Police to submit a petition advocating for urgent action on these issues.
Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, who received the petition, pledged to review and act on its recommendations.
He stressed that eradicating gender-based violence requires collective effort beyond law enforcement.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande called for collaboration among ministries and agencies to drastically reduce gender-based violence in Nigeria.
The theme for the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is “Towards Beijing +30: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”.
