The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has officially flagged off the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) with a Ministerial and Multi-Agency press briefing held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
This year’s commemoration, themed “UNiTE! End
Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” places a landmark focus on the rising threat of technology-facilitated violence and reinforces Nigeria’s renewed commitment to protecting women and girls across physical and digital spaces.
Addressing journalists, Development partners, Civil Society Organizations , society leaders, and stakeholders, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, delivered a keynote address, calling for collective responsibility, decisive action, and strengthened partnerships to end all forms of gender-based violence.
The Honourable Minister emphasized that Nigeria stands at a historic intersection, marking 30 years of the Beijing Platform for Action, 30 years of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and 25 years of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
These anniversaries, she declared, “are not markers of time but living calls to action, urging us to measure progress in lives protected, rights upheld, and futures restored.”
Referencing the disturbing rise in kidnappings and attacks against women and schoolgirls, she called for unity and national resolve:> “These attacks strike at the soul of our country. Yet, no darkness, no act of violence can break our spirit. This is Renewed Hope — rising from grief, strengthened by resolve, and propelled by the conviction that every Nigerian child must be safe and empowered to dream.”
The Minister outlined over 20 high-impact national activities planned for the 16 Days, including awareness walks, the commissioning of SARCs, digital safety dialogues, advocacy visits, intergenerational media campaigns, and the “Run for Her Global Race Against Femicide.”
The Minister highlighted notable advancements recorded in the 2024 NDHS, including declines in sexual, physical, and intimate partner violence, and the reduction of FGM from 20% (2018) to 14% (2024).
Speaking further, She made the following disclosures:
10,326 GBV cases reported between January–September 2025
2,440 survivors receiving care across states
511 survivors empowered with livelihoods
45 SARCs established in 22 states + FCT
Integration of digital literacy and safety into national empowerment programmes
Launch of the Happy Woman App to expand digital access
Development of a National Roadmap on Technology-Facilitated GBV in partnership with NITDA, UN Agencies, Police, and the UK-FCDO
However, she stressed that digital violence is growing at alarming rates.
“The digital space can be as dangerous as the physical environment when left unprotected. Online abuse, sextortion, cyberbullying, and non-consensual sharing of intimate content must be confronted with urgency and unity.”
The Minister also applauded the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, First Ladies, National Assembly, State Commissioners, traditional leaders, and global partners for their tireless contributions toward the national GBV response.
Quoting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, she reiterated:
“In our quest for justice and sustainability, we must ensure women have access to justice and protection from all forms of violence and discrimination.”
The Honourable Minister concluded with a unifying message:
“Let us march forward with courage, wisdom, and compassion. Every act of protection, every voice against injustice, and every step toward equality strengthens the fabric of a safer and brighter Nigeria.”
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam I. Keshinro, welcomed stakeholders with an urgent call to action:
“Our hearts go out to families affected by recent kidnappings. These tragedies remind us that the work ahead remains urgent. Digital violence is real, widespread, and deeply harmful. Together, we must protect every woman and girl — online and offline.”
She highlighted planned activities such as the lighting of the Ministry building, community engagements, worship-center advocacy, digital safety campaigns, and broad media mobilisation.
UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, underscored the urgency of addressing technology-facilitated abuse:
“More than half of young women globally face online violence. Digital abuse destroys lives and limits women’s participation in leadership, innovation, and nation-building.”
She urged Nigeria to strengthen digital reporting mechanisms, partner with tech companies, expand literacy for girls, and advance the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill.
“When women and girls can participate safely online, they can learn, innovate, lead, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
In his remarks, UNFPA Deputy Representative, Mr. Koman Kuawu, warned that adolescent girls are disproportionately exposed to online abuse:
“A shocking 97.5% of girls aged 11–16 in Nigeria have experienced unwanted sexual approaches online. Protection systems have not kept pace with digital threats.”
He reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to preventing TF-GBV, supporting survivors, and expanding digital safety programmes nationwide.
ABOUT THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM (25 NOV – 10 DEC)
This annual global movement seeks to:
Raise awareness of all forms of GBV
Mobilise communities and government for prevention
Strengthen access to justice
Support survivors
Promote accountability and digital safety
Reaffirm Nigeria’s commitments to global human rights standards
The campaign colour orange symbolizes hope, energy, and a future free from violence.
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau mnipr
Head, Information, Press and Public Relations Dept.
