By Damilola Abiola
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos Chapter, today joined the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in a walk campaign to mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The walk, which began at Ikeja City Mall and concluded at the WAPA office, Alausa, aimed to amplify awareness and call for an end to all forms of GBV. This annual international campaign, coordinated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, focuses on the global epidemic of GBV, which affects one in three women worldwide.
“Gender-based violence is the elephant in the room,” said Abbigail Msemburi, Head of UNFPA’s Liaison Office in Lagos, in an interview after the walk. “It stops young girls and women from achieving their full potential. At UNFPA, we target communities, empowering them to understand and act against GBV. We collaborate with governments, community leaders, and the justice system to provide awareness and the necessary support services.”
Dr. Adeola Ekine, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos, emphasized the campaign’s urgency in her speech: “In Nigeria, the statistics are alarming, one in three women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. Such violence not only undermines the dignity and rights of women but also perpetuates cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and inequality.”
She continued: “This is why today’s walk is more than just a symbolic gesture. It is a call to action, a reminder that as individuals, communities, and institutions, we must take bold steps to challenge the norms, attitudes, and systems that allow gender-based violence to persist.”
As part of this year’s activities, a cheque for 100,000 naira was presented to survivors of GBV to support economic empowerment initiatives. One survivor, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her gratitude:
“This cheque isn’t just for me; it’s for survivors everywhere. It’s an encouragement for us to step out and rebuild. The skills we learned, like making reusable pads, will not only sustain us but help us train others, especially schoolgirls.”
This year, UNFPA is focusing on deeper community engagement to challenge social norms that enable GBV. “We are working with traditional, community, and religious leaders to ensure they are custodians of the message that GBV is a violation of human rights,” Msemburi explained.
The event underscores the critical need to address GBV through prevention, survivor support, and systemic change. As one survivor poignantly remarked: “Let’s say zero tolerance to gender-based violence in Nigeria. Together, with strength and compassion, we can unite to end this scourge.”
Speaking on why the media remain critical stakeholders in the fight against GBV, Dr. Ekine stated:
“As journalists and storytellers, we have a critical role in this fight. The media is a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, raising awareness, and holding perpetrators accountable. NAWOJ remains committed to using its platforms to amplify the voices of survivors, highlight stories of resilience, and advocate for policies that protect and empower women and girls.”
The 16 Days of Activism runs annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10, Human Rights Day. It serves as a global rallying cry for justice, protection, and equality for women and girls.