Nigeria has once again demonstrated its resolve to safeguarding women and girls as the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Department led the 2025 No Tolerance March in Abuja, aligning with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to strengthen protective structures in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of every citizen.
“Eight out of every ten reported GBV cases involve minors, and technology is increasingly becoming a tool in the hands of perpetrators. Before legal reforms are fully in place, our protective measures—especially against digital violence—must be strengthened immediately,” she stated.
Hon. Imaan commended law enforcement agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations for their continued support in securing justice for survivors and building safer communities.
Former First Lady of Kebbi State and CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, praised the Ministry’s proactive leadership, noting that the year’s theme, Uniting Against Digital Violence, reflects the urgency of addressing emerging threats.
“We must adopt a survivor-centered approach and ensure that families and communities are protected. Digital violence is evolving, and our response must evolve with it,” Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu emphasized.
Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, highlighted the collective responsibility required to end GBV and advance women’s participation in governance.
“Even people like me are sometimes afraid. Younger, more vulnerable women feel it even more. But it must stop—and it will stop when we insist on it,” she said, urging Nigerian women to claim their rightful space in leadership and public life.
She also disclosed that the march was held simultaneously across 19 states to empower grassroots communities with knowledge of their rights.
Representing the Nigeria Police Force, AIG Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Baju reaffirmed the force’s iiizero-tolerance stance on GBV. She highlighted the Police Women’s Walk, the newly launched GBV Training Manual, and the Standard Operating Procedure as part of the police’s strengthened response.
“The Inspector-General of Police has made it clear that survivors must be protected and perpetrators held accountable. Our commitment to justice is unwavering,” she noted.
Chief Executive Officer of Network of Women with Disabilities, Mrs. Lois Auta, reminded participants of the heightened risks faced by women and girls with disabilities.
“Women’s rights are human rights. Disability rights are human rights. We call for an end to GBV against all women and girls—end it, stop it,” Auta declared.
Rounding off the solidarity messages, Adeola Potts-Johnson, Project Manager at Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), called for an end to the culture of silence surrounding sexual violence.
“Rape is never the fault of the survivor. It is always, and will always be, the fault of the perpetrator,” she said.
The No Tolerance March reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to a safer, more inclusive society where the rights and dignity of women and girls are fully upheld.
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau mnipr.
Head, Press and Public Relations Department
