By Olukayode Idowu
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for urgent action against gender based violence, describing it as an epidemic that knows no borders.
The United Nations agency made the call, even as it raised concerns that over one million crimes related to violence against women and girls were recorded in 2022 and 2023, accounting for 20% of all police-recorded crime.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Gender based Violence in Nigeria supported by MacArthur Foundation and the Government of Denmark, the Country Representative of UNODC, Cheikh Toure noted that GBV is a significant issue in Nigeria,affecting women and girls across social classes, ethnic groups, and cultures.
He lamented that GBV is often under-reported due to a reluctance to speak about it, fear of stigmatization, and the domestic nature of the violence,
Toure said violence against women and children is pathetic, and government need to do something urgently to stop this menace.
He noted that: “Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed. Let that sink in today, we gather not just to launch the 16 Days of Activism Campaign but to make a clarion call for action against gender-based violence- an epidemic that knows no borders. Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive human rights violation globally. Nearly one in three women and girls experience violence in their lifetime.
“This is not merely a statistic; it is a reality for countless individuals—our mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. The urgency of our mission cannot be overstated. We stand at a critical juncture where our collective efforts can lead to meaningful change”.
He said: “This year’s theme, “Unite to End Violence Against Women,” isn’t just a catchy slogan; it is a powerful rallying cry for accountability and action. It’s a call to arms. We need action, not words. Accountability, not excuses. Resources, not empty promises. We must demand that all duty bearers—especially states—take decisive steps to address the issues highlighted in the 30-year review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: accountability, recommitment, and resourcing.”
Toure also lamented that most African countries lack data on femicide adding that without data, the fight against gender-based violence is like fighting blindly.
He said: “Women’s limited access to public sector roles perpetuates inequalities and fuels structural violence and that’s just the tip of the iceberg—a grim reminder of the entrenched gender inequalities that persist worldwide.
“Femicide occurs in every region, with family members or intimate partners responsible for over half of these killings.
“This means that home, which should be a sanctuary, often becomes a site of violence. Most victims don’t report their abuse. Why? Because society still too often blames the victim, denies them support, and fails to deliver justice.”
In response to this crisis, Toure however, disclosed that UNODC has developed Femicide Reviews to analyze these tragic events comprehensively.
He explained that those reviews go beyond individual cases to examine healthcare providers and social services.
“By understanding these dynamics, we can create policies that prevent future tragedies. As one of my UNODC colleagues aptly stated, “The idea with a Femicide Review is to go beyond the decision of individual responsibility and look at the level of social responsibility.”
On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, noted that to properly contextualise the issue of enhanced rights for women, it is key to remind all present that women’s rights are human rights, and that human rights extend to women as well.
She added that the maxim that a bird cannot fly with one wing applies perfectly to gender relations and how men and women and
boys and girls must be empowered and have all systemic barriers which limit their growth and aspirations removed.
“Our dream, after all, is one of a great country where our citizens(male and female) are fully empowered and thus able to contribute to building the nation of our dreams.
She said, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the role that women play all too well, and it is why Nigeria have women occupying key executive and advisory positions in the Renewed Hope administration, contributing their quota to national growth and advancement.
“The governor of Kwara state and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Form (NGF), Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, also shines bright as a leader to emulate as he has shown us that indeed, women can participate in truly equitable numbers and deliver on the tasks that they have been entrusted with.”
She urged other leaders to similarly empowered and at different levels of the political structure within government and the political party system to prioritise women’s participation and qualitative representation in power and decision-making, both through the ballot and via appointive positions.
“I would also like to urge our lawmakers especially to prioritise women’s rights
and gender equity, as women constitute roughly half of our nation’s population and it is by empowering both halves of society that we can attain our full potential.
“Seeing as politicians also care deeply about votes, it might be helpful as well to mention that women form a large chunk of the voter’s register and are known for showing up on election day; therefore, being pro-women is certain to help their electoral chances too.” She added.
Also, the Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayodele Olawande who was represented by the National PRO of Youth Council, Dotun Omoleye, emphasized the importance of combating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
While acknowledging the strategic efforts of the Ministry and its partnership with the UNODC in addressing GBV, he noted that the GBV is a menace that must be fought, and it requires a collective effort from every city, municipal area, and progressive individual.
He, therefore, emphasized the need for sustained action beyond the 16 Days of Activism as he also urged stakeholders to continue advocating for policies and resources that support survivors of GBV and prevent future incidents.
