As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) come to a close, ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication has renewed the call for urgent and sustained action to address the widespread and devastating impact of GBV in Nigeria.
Marking Human Rights Day on December 10, 2024, the organization stressed the importance of moving beyond legislation to implement concrete measures that protect the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and freedom guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and international conventions.
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While legislative progress has been made through the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Act, enforcement remains inconsistent across the country.
This failure has left many survivors without justice or access to support services.
Harmful practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and domestic violence continue to disproportionately affect women and girls.
Shockingly, data from the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that 30 percent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, with 70 percent of incidents occurring in homes.
Many survivors turn to family members rather than law enforcement, reflecting widespread mistrust in the justice system.
John Andah, Executive Director of ImpactHouse, highlighted the urgent need for action, stating that laws alone are insufficient to combat GBV in Nigeria.
He urged the government at all levels to prioritize accountability and effective implementation of existing legislation.
He also called for state governments to enact the VAPP Act, establish dedicated courts to handle GBV cases, and strengthen legal aid services for survivors.
The organization emphasized the critical need for increased funding from the National Assembly and state legislatures to support the enforcement of GBV laws.
This includes establishing shelters, crisis hotlines, and sexual assault referral centers, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Law enforcement agencies and the judiciary were also urged to implement survivor-centered training programs to eliminate harmful biases and improve responses to GBV cases.
Additionally, the Ministry of Justice must develop clear protocols for handling such cases to ensure timely and fair justice.
Public awareness campaigns were identified as a vital component in addressing GBV.
ImpactHouse called on the National Orientation Agency to lead nationwide initiatives targeting families, communities, and schools to challenge harmful cultural practices, patriarchal norms, and the stigma surrounding GBV.
Furthermore, the establishment of community-based support centers was recommended to meet the unique needs of survivors in rural areas.
Addressing GBV, according to ImpactHouse, requires not only legislative measures but also sustained action, adequate funding, and collective commitment to breaking the cycle of violence.
On this Human Rights Day, the organization urged all stakeholders to prioritize the fight against GBV and create a society where every Nigerian can live free from fear and violence.