First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called for immediate action to eliminate gender-based violence as she participates in the global observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Her letter, shared on X on Monday, kicked off the annual 16 days of action against gender-based violence.
“Nearly one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime,” she said, highlighting the alarming scale of the issue.
She also highlighted the pervasiveness of harmful practices in Nigeria, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, which are frequently excused by cultural or religious beliefs.
While acknowledging advances in addressing these challenges, she underlined that many women and girls, particularly in rural and impoverished communities, are still caught in cycles of violence and inequality.
“Many women and girls remain trapped in these cycles of violence and inequality,” she said, urging society to take decisive action.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on November 25, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to raise awareness of gender-based violence and mobilise global efforts to combat it.
The date was chosen to commemorate the Mirabal sisters, Dominican political activists slain by the Trujillo administration in 1960.
This day marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that will end on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Meanwhile, in her statement, the First Lady emphasised the necessity of collaborative action, including speedy prosecution of abusers, enhanced support for survivors, and the creation of safer surroundings.
“We must take collective action across all sectors of society,” she told the audience. Education was identified as a critical instrument in ending these cycles.
“Formal education for the girl child remains the key to liberating them and helping them make informed choices,” she remarked, calling for efforts that secure girls’ access to education across the country.
Others, including Chidi Nwosu, a legal expert, supported her plea for responsibility.
“Prosecution of offenders and justice for survivors must go hand in hand with community-based preventive efforts,” Nwosu noted.
Tinubu concluded with a call to action for all Nigerians to challenge harmful behaviours and work toward a safer society.
“Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence,” she said.
