16 Days Activism: Foundation Tasks Stakeholders On Ending SGBV

Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation, an International Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has reiterated the call to institutions and relevant stakeholders to collaborate and work to end all forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). 

The foundation said that putting an end to gender-based violence and discrimination is a global priority that requires collective action.

Ipas made the call in a statement on Friday, in commemoration of the 2022 16 Days of Activism on Ending all Gender Based Violence Against Women and Girls with the theme “UNiTE! Activism to end Violence Against Women and Girls."

The statement noted that violence against Women and Girls is a clear gross violation of the fundamental human rights of women and girls.

It stated it is a global health and developmental issue that cuts across economics, culture, religion, and age.

"It is also one of the most extreme expressions of unequal gender relations in our society.

"It remains a critical factor for the optimum contribution and development of women and girls in our society.

"As the world marks this year’s 16 days of Activism on ending Gender-Based Violence.

"Ipas Nigeria health Foundation calls on all stakeholders to join together in the ‘'Orange the world' activism campaign through mass sensitisation, prevention, protection and enforcement measures to eliminate these ills in our society.

"The World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual, intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. 

"While the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 found that 9 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered sexual assault at least once in their lifetime and 31% had experienced physical violence," the statement reads.

The foundation however, acknowledged the concerted efforts made by frontliners, key actors and stakeholder on their services, commitment and sacrifice, while empathising with victims and survivors exposed to the heinous crime.

"Following the State of Emergency declaration by the Federal Government on the 11th of June 2020, significant accomplishments have been achieved, including the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, in over 30 States of the federation.

The statement further restates the foundation's commitment in the fight against GBV noting," Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation remains committed to the fight to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence.

"We shall continue to advance the cause, providing to CBOs/CSOs, and support programs that take early leads in preventing all forms of GBV against the most vulnerable in our society.

"Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation played a significant role in adopting and implementing the Law in States such as Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Adamawa, Ogun and Benue. Worthy of note is our planned activity this year to disseminate the findings of research we conducted on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria to showcase recommendations which will inform programme interventions to reduce GBV to its barest minimum in Nigeria.

"We believe that the protection of survivors of GBV, the accelerated adoption of the VAPP Act, and the review of the Penal Code to be in tandem with the VAPP Act will significantly aid this call.

"Join us let’s Orange the World, let’s UniTE to End violence against women NOW!Support this worthy fight, March with us#EndViolenceAgainstWomenNow."