UN, Partners Calls for Holistic Approach to End Gender-Based Violence

The United Nations (UN) has emphasized the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to eliminate gender-based violence (GBV) against women, girls, and boys.

 

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This call was made during the “No Tolerance March” organized by the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) in Abuja, Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, underscored the importance of collective action to combat GBV. He stressed that addressing violence is not the sole responsibility of women but a shared duty for all, as its impact extends to the entire human race.

 

Awareness Advocacy March
The march, led by Mohammed Fall and supported by officials such as Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, drew activists and stakeholders to the streets of Abuja. The goal was to amplify awareness and inspire concrete actions against GBV.

In his address to the media, Mr. Fall lamented the high prevalence of GBV, calling for multifaceted strategies to combat the menace.

“We aim to expand awareness campaigns to highlight critical issues related to gender-based violence. There is no excuse for violence against women or girls, whether within families or communities. Everyone must act.

Women should speak up, but this is not solely their burden—it’s a shared responsibility,” he stated.

 

Fall also emphasized the need for governments, law enforcement agencies, and leaders at all levels to intensify efforts to build awareness and enforce laws addressing GBV.

“We must address GBV holistically. Its roots are entrenched in societal norms, lack of access to services, and exclusion from decision-making processes.

Campaigns must cut across all sectors, empowering women and men alike to foster compliance with laws and behaviors necessary to end violence,” he added.

For Grassroots Mobilization , the Mandate Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi highlighted the need to extend advocacy efforts to grassroots communities.

“Our campaign reaches 884 local communities within the FCT, creating reference points for action. We need intentional collaborations between government, private sectors, and individuals to drive sustained advocacy and interventions,” she said.

She further stressed the importance of broadening efforts, noting that protecting the dignity and rights of women and girls contributes to societal and economic progress.

“This is not just a gender agenda but a collective human agenda. When you protect women and girls, you uplift communities and economies,” she added.

On Legal and Institutional Frameworks, the. Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr. Zainab Bagudu, called for better enforcement of laws against GBV and capacity building for law enforcement agencies.

“Every police station should have a desk dedicated to GBV cases, providing a safe space for victims to report incidents without fear of stigmatization. Security forces must be adequately trained to handle these cases with sensitivity,” she noted.

 

On Sustaining Advocacy Efforts, the Project Manager at WARIF, Adeola Potts-Johnson, commended the success of the campaign, noting its expansion to cities across Nigeria and beyond.

“No woman or girl should live in fear of rape or sexual violence. Governments must ensure that people are aware of existing laws and punitive measures against GBV. We will continue to push until violence against women becomes history,” she said.

The advocacy march, organized by the UN in collaboration with WARIF and the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, was part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The campaign continues to champion a world free of violence, urging all stakeholders to unite in action.