Abuja: The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening protective measures to safeguard women and girls. Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, emphasized this during the ‘2025 No Tolerance March’ as part of the activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) held on Saturday in Abuja. Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that the ministry’s initiatives align with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare and safety of every citizen.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, community reports indicate that eight out of every ten GBV cases involve minors, with technology increasingly being used to harm women and girls. The minister praised law enforcement agencies and development partners for their support in ensuring justice for survivors. She stressed the importance of strengthening protective measures against all forms of digital violence before legal reforms are completed.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, Former First Lady of Kebbi State, lauded the ministry’s leadership, highlighting the global theme ‘Uniting Against Digital Violence’ as a reflection of the urgent need to address evolving threats. As the CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, she advocated for a survivor-centered approach to protect families, communities, and societies.
Sen. Ireti Kingibe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, noted that ending GBV and achieving women’s inclusion in governance requires collective responsibility. She urged Nigerian women to assert their space in leadership and public life, acknowledging violence as a significant barrier to participation. ‘Even people like me are sometimes afraid. Younger, more vulnerable women feel it even more. But it must stop, and it will stop when we insist on it,’ Kingibe stated, pointing out that the march was simultaneously conducted across 19 states to empower grassroots communities with knowledge of their rights.
Dr. Aishatu Abubakar-Baju, an Assistant Inspector General representing the Nigeria Police Force, reiterated the police’s zero tolerance for GBV. She emphasized the nationwide Police Women’s Walk and the recent launch of the Nigerian Police GBV Training Manual and Standard Operating Procedure as measures to curb the trend. The Inspector-General of Police has affirmed that survivors must be protected, and perpetrators held accountable, reinforcing the force’s commitment to justice for all.
Mrs. Lois Auta, CEO of the Network of Women with Disabilities, highlighted the march’s representation of inclusion, accessibility, and human rights. Auta stressed that women and girls with disabilities face higher risks of violence and must be protected. ‘Women’s rights are human rights. Disability rights are human rights. We call for an end to GBV against all women and girls, end it, stop it,’ she declared.
Adeola Potts-Johnson, Project Manager at Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), called on participants to dismantle the culture of silence surrounding sexual violence, reminding the public that survivors are never to blame. ‘Rape is never the fault of the survivor. It is always, and will always be the fault of the perpetrator,’ she asserted.