By Chinedum Treasure
Gender advocates have called for sustained, grassroots-driven action anchored in strong women-led movements to tackle rising cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Nigeria.
They made the call during a webinar organised by the Women Information Network (WINET), which served as a platform to review current strategies and push for deeper collaboration among stakeholders.
Speakers noted that despite existing policies and frameworks, weak implementation, poor coordination, and limited political will continue to hinder progress.
A former First Lady of Ekiti State and co-founder of Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement, Erelu Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, stressed that building effective movements requires more than mobilisation, highlighting the need for leadership development and institutional strength at the grassroots.
She advocated a “Triple A” approach—Advocacy, Accountability, and Action—supported by key pillars such as prevention, access to justice, coordination, education, and solidarity.
Public Relations Officer of the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Dr Ijeoma Udensi, underscored the role of social media in modern advocacy, noting that while digital platforms amplify reach and visibility, real impact depends on sustained engagement and commitment.
Also speaking, former Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi, emphasised inclusive and survivor-centred approaches to GBV prevention. She called for stronger support systems, including shelters and counselling services, while urging the active involvement of men and boys in the campaign.
Participants identified poverty, cultural norms, and limited access to justice as major drivers of GBV, calling for stronger partnerships among government, civil society, and the private sector to improve accountability and resource mobilisation.
They also recommended integrating GBV awareness into school curricula and engaging traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful practices.
In her closing remarks, WINET Executive Director, Miriam Menkiti, urged stakeholders to turn commitments into action, stressing that consistent efforts are essential to ending violence against women and girls.
Tags: GBV, Gender-Based Violence, Women Empowerment, WINET, Nigeria, Women Rights, Social Justice, Advocacy, NCWS, ActionAid Nigeria
