ActionAid Nigeria, on Wednesday, reiterated its commitment to bringing an end to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country, News About Nigeria reports.
The Country Director, AAN, Andrew Mamedu, made this commitment, stating that the statistics of GBV in Nigeria are increasing at an alarming rate, with almost one in three women experiencing physical violence and one in four girls facing sexual violence.
The director, while speaking at the National Dialogue to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), noted that most women and girls still go through the nasty experience, especially those residing in rural areas.
He further appealed to stakeholders to come together in unity and take collective action to ensure that this barbaric act is addressed.
According to him, the theme for this year’s campaign is in tandem with their commitment to creating a safer world for women and girls.
Mamedu also noted that amidst these challenges, ActionAid Nigeria has partnered with Global Affairs Canada and launched the Women’s Voice and Leadership Nigeria (WVL-N) project.
The five-year initiative, according to him, is committed to building the capacity of local women’s rights organisations to empower women, protect their rights, and achieve gender equality in Nigeria.
He also noted that the WVL-N project, one of the largest grants in Nigeria funded by Global Affairs Canada, has redefined the donor landscape for funding Women’s Rights Work in Nigeria.
He added that the WVL-N project has impacted the lives of 7.1 million women, girls, and families across all six geo-political zones while partnering with over 150 women’s rights organizations.
He emphasized the need for more collaboration and action, urging governments and development partners to adopt initiatives such as comprehensive gender-sensitive education, strengthened support systems for survivors, engagement of men and boys in challenging harmful gender norms, and advocacy for the implementation of laws protecting women and girls.
Additionally, any other initiative that will help curb the practice of Gender-Based Violence in the country.
