The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), including the growing threat of digital violence against women and girls. This assurance was delivered during a special Church Advocacy Outreach as part of the ongoing commemoration of the 20–25th Anniversary of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, who as represented by the Director of Women Development, Mrs. Anunike Blessing, addressed the congregation of Christ the King Catholic Parish (CKC), Kubwa, Abuja, urging the church and community to unite in safeguarding online and offline spaces.
“Online spaces should empower, not endanger. Digital abuse is real violence, and we must make the internet safe for all,” she said, stressing that the fight against digital and gender-based violence remains one of the ministry’s top priorities.
Anchoring her message on biblical principles, she reminded the Church of the divine value of every human being.
“As Genesis 1:27 tells us, God created both male and female in His image. This sacred imprint demands their protection from all harm,” she added.
Mrs. Blessing outlined several key Federal Government interventions designed to strengthen protection for survivors and deter perpetrators. These include:
*Strengthening legal frameworks such as specialized gender courts and the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.
*Establishing survivor-centered services including safe spaces, emergency support, and the National GBV Emergency Response Fund.
*Rolling out digital empowerment programs to combat online threats targeting women and girls.
*Collaborating with faith-based institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners for grassroots awareness and action.
She emphasized that transformative change must be rooted in collective responsibility:
“As believers, we are called to defend the vulnerable. I call on every one of us to join the fight through advocacy, vigilance, and compassionate support for survivors. Together, we can build a Nigeria where no woman, no girl, no man, and no boy lives in fear.”
Responding to questions from worshippers, she reaffirmed the ministry’s inclusive approach:
“We are addressing violence not only against women and girls but also against men and boys. Ours is a holistic and comprehensive approach.”
In his remarks, the Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Christopher Damina, commended the ministry’s outreach and stressed the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s judicial system to ensure justice for offenders.
“Many survivors never receive justice because perpetrators often escape consequences through corruption or influence. This discourages victims and weakens our society. Justice must be served without compromise,” he said.
He linked the fight against Gender Based Violence GBV to broader national concerns such as insecurity, banditry, and social divisions, noting that collective action remains key to sustainable change.
Addressing the role of families, Rev. Fr. Damina emphasized that parents must take responsibility for shaping their children’s behavior and values.
“The family is the first church. Parents must guide their children, especially in this digital age. Many habits young people pick up today come from TikTok and other online spaces. They need direction, protection, and proper mentorship,” he stressed.
He urged parents to break harmful cultural silences by teaching their children, in age-appropriate ways, about sexuality, safety, and moral discipline.
The event reinforced the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ commitment to working hand-in-hand with religious institutions, families, civil society, and communities to combat gender-based violence in all forms—on the streets, in homes, and across digital platforms.
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations Department
