Traditional rulers and government officials have led a landmark march to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Sokoto State.
GBV refers to any act of violence directed against an individual based on his or her gender.
It is a widespread menace that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, manifesting in various forms such as physical, sexual and psychological violence, including intimate partner abuse, trafficking and forced prostitution, considered as serious violation of human right.
The 16 Days of Activism Against GBV is a United Nations’ international campaign that runs from November 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through Dec. 10, which is the International Human Rights Day.
This period highlights that violence against women is one of the most pervasive violations of human rights worldwide.
The campaign was started in 1991 as a strategic effort to unite and amplify calls for the elimination of violence against women and girls.
Each year, the 16 Days of Activism galvanise organisations around the world and draws the attention of governments to the urgent and critical issues around GBV.
The theme for the 2025 16 Days of Activism is ‘Unite to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls’.
In Bodinga LGA, the District Head, Alhaji Bello Abdurrauf, enjoined parents and teachers to promote awareness programme against all forms violence and need for youth especially girls to report incidents.
Abdurrauf described the strategic awareness initiative towards rising consciousness to eradicate GBV the society and underscored the importance of collective efforts against the menace.
He stressed the need for people to be united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.
“Through collective action and reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice and equality prevail,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, commended the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and other partners on their support to tackle violence against women and girls
Alhaji said the march and the associated activities were not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on.
He called for more action on digital violence which had become a growing threat against women and girls, noting that the programme would continue to support partners working to eliminate all forms of discrimination and abuse.
In Sokoto South LGA, District Head of Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, urged the stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard the vulnerable population and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.
Umar-Jabbi highlighted all forms of GBV and solicited for more collaborative measures on sanitizing the society from all forms of abuses, cultural beliefs and misconceptions as well as harmful practices.
UNFPA Programme Officer, Mrs Rabi Sagir, Director, Women in the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Hajia Hauwa’u Jabo, counselled tje students on the dangers of GBV.
