House of Representatives Launches 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., on Monday, led members of the House and other stakeholders in a symbolic walk against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as part of activities marking this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

The event, which coincided with the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, saw prominent figures including Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Majority Leader Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, and Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, join the Speaker in the advocacy walk.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; and National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Dayo Israel, among others.

The advocacy train began at the National Assembly Complex and made its way to the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, where a petition was presented to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun. The petition demanded thorough investigations and prosecutions of cases of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Speaking at the National Assembly before the walk, Speaker Abbas emphasized the House’s commitment to combating GBV.

“This day marks a historic moment as the National Assembly joins hands with other groups to fight gender-based violence. The United Nations has reported that every 10 minutes, a woman is killed worldwide. This is an unacceptable and unforgivable trend,” he said.

The Speaker assured Nigerians that the 10th House would work tirelessly to address violence against women and girls, pledging to strengthen collaboration with law enforcement agencies and enact pro-poor policies to reduce such incidents.

“The National Assembly will do everything possible to ensure all forms of violence against women and girls are drastically reduced, if not eliminated. We will play an active role in the next National Action Plan against violence and enact policies to protect women, children, and girls,” Abbas stated.

The walk ended at the Force Headquarters, where Hon. Kafilat Ogbara presented the petition on behalf of the House, urging the Inspector-General to take decisive action against perpetrators of VAWG.

The Speaker also officially declared open the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with the theme ‘No Excuse for Violence!’ The campaign will feature a series of activities in which the House will actively participate over the next two weeks.