A Federal High Court Judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, has called for stronger collective action to end Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), describing it as a pervasive global and national problem.
Egwuatu made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the official launch of the SGBV Investigator Aide-Memoire Card.
The project, themed “Strengthening the Forensic Capacity of Nigeria to Support the Effective Investigation and Prosecution of SGBV Linked to Terrorism in Borno State,” is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
The judge described SGBV as any act committed against a person’s will based on gender norms and unequal power relations, including rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation, sexual harassment, and economic abuse.
He noted that the menace thrives in silence, primarily affecting women and girls, though boys and men also suffer, often quietly due to stigma and societal perceptions of weakness.
According to Egwuatu, SGBV has far-reaching consequences, including physical injuries, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, psychological trauma, depression, and, in extreme cases, death.
He highlighted the long-term emotional toll on survivors, explaining that victims often struggle with fear, broken relationships, and challenges in rebuilding their lives.
“Beyond the individual, SGBV destroys families, strains health systems, and weakens community structures,” he said.
The judge identified major challenges in tackling SGBV, including a culture of silence and stigma, weak reporting and justice systems, delays in investigation, poor evidence collection, and low conviction rates.
He added that inadequate support systems—limited access to medical care, psychological services, shelters, and legal aid—further discourage survivors from seeking justice.
Egwuatu also cited harmful cultural norms, including patriarchy and victim-blaming, as factors that normalize violence and shield perpetrators.
He observed that conflict and poverty, especially in insurgency-affected areas, have heightened vulnerability to SGBV, particularly among women and children.
The judge emphasized that addressing SGBV is not the government’s responsibility alone but requires engagement from families, schools, religious institutions, and social groups.
“We must believe survivors, show empathy, expose perpetrators, and encourage victims to report these crimes,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Senior Project Manager at Global Affairs Canada, Wilma Endamne, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s response to SGBV through capacity building and operational support.
Endamne noted that accessible tools and targeted training are essential for reinforcing professional standards, promoting consistency in investigations, and improving coordination among stakeholders.
She praised national partners and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for their leadership in developing the guide and commended stakeholders for committing to its implementation.
She expressed confidence that the event would strengthen partnerships and enhance the initiative’s impact.
Endamne added that GAC remains committed to supporting efforts to combat sexual violence and improve Nigeria’s investigative and justice systems.
Earlier, UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Toure thanked the Government of Canada, UN partners, Nigerian institutions, and all stakeholders involved in developing the guide.
Toure urged stakeholders to use the launch as an opportunity to reinforce their collective commitment to ending sexual violence and strengthening justice systems.
He noted that the initiative was made possible through Canadian government support, reflecting a principled commitment to justice and confidence in Nigerian institutions.
“Their contributions go beyond funding; they demonstrate a commitment to ending impunity and ensuring survivors’ access to justice,” he said.
