By Justina Auta
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) partnered other stakeholders to amplify voices to end Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and seek justice for survivors.
The association and partners on Thursday carried out an awareness walk and sensitisation to commemorate the 2023 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with the theme “Invest to Prevent VAWG” in Abuja.
The activism is an annual international campaign that runs from Nov. 25, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women until Dec. 10, which is Human Rights Day.
It is a global initiative aimed at eliminating GBV by raising awareness about the devastating impact of violence on women and children, and the social fabric of the society.
The NAWOJ President, Aisha Ibrahim-Bura, therefore, noted what she called “increasing cases of reported GBV nationwide and urged stakeholders, especially government to invest time, resources and political will towards ending the menace.
Ibrahim-Bura, who was represented by Wasila Ibrahim-Ladan, National Secretary of NAWOJ, said that the walk was to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and investment towards ending GBV.
She said “we are collaborating with sister agencies and other associations to speak on behalf of women and children.
“We want our voices heard globally. We want to eradicate GBV by calling on government at all levels, security agencies and other agencies to come together and ensure we rid our society of this menace.
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to come to our aid, rescue survivors and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Anna Daniel, FCT NAWOJ Chairperson, said the 2023 theme of the activism is a clarion call for government and stakeholders to unite and contribute towards ending GBV.
“So, this year’s theme is our collective efforts; we need to put much of our strengths to advocate, invest and prevent VAWG,” she said.
Ijeoma Nnamuchi, Legal/Programme Officer at Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL), who spoke on behalf of partners, reiterated commitment towards supporting the association in advancing the cause of women and children.
She said “we are all partners in the field and lending our voices to end VAWG in Nigeria.”
Nkiru Okeke, FCT NAWOJ Secretary, said the walk drew together various stakeholders and partners, including ActionAid Nigeria, Global Affairs Canada, among others.
