Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for an end to violence against women, emphasizing the need for women and girls to speak up when sexually exploited, abused or violated.
According to her, this will not only help them access help and healing but give others the confidence to speak up.
First Lady Tinubu gave the advice in Freetown at the special prayers organized by the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Madda Bio, in honour of survivors of sexual exploitation, abuse and violence.
This was part of activities to mark the United Nations’ World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence scheduled for 18 November, 2023.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu @SenRemiTinubu says sexual exploitation, abuse and violence must be stopped in Africa
As she commemorates UN Day in Sierra Leone
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON has emphasized the need for women… pic.twitter.com/x78VNjjvkV
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) November 17, 2023
“Women, speak up because your voice can help others.
“When women stand together in freedom and speak their minds, they would remember that Fatima Madda Bio walked this path,” said Mrs Tinubu, who pointed out that the UN Day was not just a day of freedom for only Sierra Leone but Africa as a whole.
She commended the First Lady of Sierra Leone for the commitment, dedication and hard work put into seeing that the day becomes a reality.
Earlier in her remarks, the host, Dr. Fatima Madda Bio, noted that abuse of women and girls was a cowardly act and should be eliminated, using all possible legal and legislative means.
“As First Lady, I do not work for politics but humanity… to give our best, and we want to be remembered as those who changed the narrative in Sierra Leone,” Dr. Bio stressed.
The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Madda Bio, assured that his country remains committed to eliminating all barriers being faced by girls and women so they can actualize their potentials.
There was a recitation by school girls to drive home the point that they will no longer be instruments of sexual exploitation, abuse or violence.
Prayers were also offered for survivors.
The visit of the Nigerian First Lady to Sierra Leone continues on Saturday, when she will join her Angolan counterpart and their host to commemorate the first anniversary of the UN day of prevention of girl Child Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.
This is the second day of the visit by Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to Sierra Leone, where she will join her Angolan counterpart and their host on Saturday, 18th of November, to mark the first anniversary of the UN Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.
