The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar has urged Nigerian women and girls to break their silence and speak out against any form of gender-based violence against them.
Abubakar made the call in Abuja during the media conference and lighting the City Gate to observe the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign.
She said there was need to support the voices of women and girls whose voices were still not being heard.
“You are aware in Nigeria, gender inequality is wide spread due to politicking, imbalance of social economic opportunities, cultural and regional factors and inadequate enabling bigger and policy frame work among many others.
“The violence and threats that women and girls face is a consistent trend in our society ranging from domestic violence, traditional harmful practices, fear of standing for electoral offices, sexual harassment of girls and young women among others,” Abubakar said.
The UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Comfort Lamptey said for too long, women and girls had been subjected to various forms of violence.
She said victims had remained silent due to impunity, stigma and shame, among other inhibiting factors, saying their stories needed to be brought to light.
Lamptey said speaking out was an important first step to mobilising collective action to prevent and address this problem at its roots.
“We must stand in solidarity with survivor advocates and women’s human rights defenders who are working to prevent and end violence against women and girls.
‘We must build synergies between state and non-state actors, between governments, civil society, UN partners, the private sector, institutions of learning, the arts and creative Industry and media networks,” she said.
She said the event would count Nigeria among countries around the world that had lit prominent and iconic national building in orange, in solidarity and as a symbol of commitment to ending gender-based violence.
She said that the orange colour symbolised a bright future and a world devoid of violence against women and girls.
“The orange campaign will continue tomorrow, as UN personnel in Abuja, under the leadership of our dynamic resident coordinator, will move to light up UN House in orange.
“This is why the UNiTE Campaign’s global advocacy theme year is: Orange the world: Hear Me Too. It will build on the efforts and successes achieved by brave grassroots activists and survivor advocates.
She said the UN Women remained committed to supporting the government of Nigeria in its efforts to promote gender equality and women empowerment.
She added that it was the sure way to accelerate achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She however called on stakeholders to join the global campaign of the 16 days of activism by amplifying the voices of survivors of gender-based violence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lighting ceremony was part of a series of activities ongoing to commemorate the campaign in Nigeria.
NAN also reports that the campaign commenced on Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and will conclude Dec. 10, Human Rights Day. (NAN)