A non-governmental organization (NGO), FAME Foundation, says it plans advocacy to unite Nigerians irrespective of genders to end the menace of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in society.
Its Executive Director, Mrs. Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, said this in Abuja on Friday at a news conference to unveil the activities lined up by the organization to celebrate the 2023 16-day activism against SGBV.
The 16-day activism against SGBV will begin from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 with the theme “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Ogunleye-Bello underscored the need for collective action and investment to eradicate SGBV against all genders.
According to her, SGBV is a widespread problem affecting individuals irrespective of gender, and there is a need to unite both genders to end the menace in society.
“We must unite men, women, boys, and girls to stand against SGBV. Silence perpetuates the cycle; it is time to lend our voices and support survivors in their journey towards healing.
“Some victims of rape or other sexual violence incidents are male; it is estimated that approximately one in six men experienced sexual abuse during childhood.
“Historically, rape was thought to be and defined as a crime committed solely against females.”
According to her, this belief is still held in some parts of the world, but rape of males is now commonly criminalized and has been subject to more discussion than in the past.
“It thrives in silence, which is often fuelled by societal norms and shame. Girls and women are often the target, but men are victims too.
“Survivors often carry the weight of their experiences, leading to a cycle of trauma. We need to understand that the impact of SGBV transcends physical scars; it deeply affects one’s mental health and overall well-being.
“This year, the FAME Foundation will be focusing on boys and men in our campaign; it is time to break these chains and create safe spaces for survivors to speak out and seek support,’’ she said.
She said that educating and empowering survivors would pave the way for a more equitable and just society.
The executive director said that the activities lined up for the commemoration of 2023 Activism Day included the distribution of flyers, a campaign on social media, and visiting the camp of internally displaced persons (IDPs), among others.
She urged individuals and organizations to unite and advocate for a world where everyone can live without fear, discrimination, and violence.
According to her, the foundation is providing a safe space and access to dedicated practitioners, psychologists, and mental health experts who are committed to helping victims overcome the trauma of SGBV.
