Some participants at the 16 Days Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at Gwagwalada on Thursday
By Jacinta Nwachukwu
A coalition group has empowered grassroots women with tools to combat gender-based violence, focusing on financial empowerment and skill building.
This initiative was announced at the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” in Gwagwalada on Thursday.
Lucy Abagi, CEO of the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), explained that financial independence enabled women to make informed decisions and live independently.
Abagi represented by Ms Precious Adigwe, Programme Officer, Gender Mainstreaming and Inclusion, PPDC, emphasised the importance of financial empowerment, urging women to develop skills in savings, budgeting, and investing to secure their future.
“The initiative also addressed gender-based violence among men, acknowledging that they are often silent victims due to cultural norms.“
Abagi called on men to speak out against abuse and seek help.
Dr Mufuliat Fijabi, Executive Director of the Sustainable Gender Action Initiative, explained that the initiative’s primary goal is to sensitize women in local communities about the importance of preventing violence against women and girls.
According to Fijabi, the focus is on preventing violence rather than just responding to it, emphasising the need for collective action to stop acts of gender-based violence.
She noted that the initiative targets women, as they are disproportionately affected by violence, despite men and boys also experiencing violence.
Fijabi stated that women are often seen as second-class citizens and are more prone to violence. She cited the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in 2015 as a recognition of the harmful effects of violence.
Fijabi emphasised that there are no excuses for committing acts of violence and stressed the importance of upholding human dignity.
She highlighted various forms of violence, including psychological, physical, and sexual, and emphasised the need to address their root causes.
Fijabi underscored the importance of sustained action against gender-based violence through the 16 Days of Activism, emphasising the need to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from violence.
Earlier, Hajiya Sameera Yashe, Senior Special Adviser on Women Affairs, Gwagwalada Area Council, commended the organisers of the programme and urged women to utilise the opportunity to gain more knowledge about gender-based violence and prevention.
Yashe was represented by her Personal Assistant, Mrs Jennifer Raymond.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was organised by the UN Women, Sustainable Gender Action Initiative, and the Public and Private Development Centre.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is observed from November 25 to December 10 annually to raise awareness against all forms of gender-based violence.