Stakeholders in Nigeria have called for a renewed commitment to ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country. The call was made at the “Voices Unveiled” Event, which brought together representatives from government, civil society, and international organisations.
The event was organised by Live What You Believe LWYB Project Nigeria, Empower Women Media, Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF), Midpoint International Development Initiative (MIDI), and other organisations, with support from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
A representative of the German Embassy, Mrs Dorothea Wenzel emphasised the need for collective action to address GBV. “We must work together to create a future where women and girls can live free from violence and fear,” she said.
The event highlighted the alarming prevalence of GBV in Nigeria, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women and girls in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Stakeholders pledged their commitment to combating GBV and promoting human rights.
Country Coordinator of the Live What You Believe (LWYB) project,and Convener of this Event Mr. Felix Samari, explained the importance of awareness and education in preventing Gender Based Violence and Interfaith disharmony. “We must work to change the attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate these vices,” he said.
According to him ‘the event is also aimed at promoting the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Religious Intolerance.
“We want everyone to reflect on the dangers of GBV, and this event is unique because we’re examining it from the perspective of freedom of religion’.
The Chief Operations Officer of Civitas Auxillium Foundation (CAF), Mrs Elizabeth Duile, said there is this prevalence of violence against women and girls, particularly those in highly volatile areas forced to reside in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
“GBV is prevalent among this group, and despite their vulnerability, they face increased vulnerability due to the acts committed against them.”
The officer representing Midpoint International Development Initiative (MIDI), Chohu Joshua-Chohu in his goodwill message expressed eagerness to assist the helpless and support marginalised and underserved communities in addressing their challenges and delivering practical development solutions to combat Religious disharmony and Gender Based Violence GBV.
A lecturer at the University of Abuja, Mr Ahmad Aminu, also reiterated the need to respect and promote everyone’s rights and promote positive character re-orientation to address GBV and religious intolerance,
The event featured a range of activities, including cultural dances, film screenings, panel discussions, and poetry performances. There was also a Live Poetry and Dance Competition featuring some notable up-and-coming Young Nigerian Creatives after which mouth-watering prizes were won by some outstanding ones.
Dominica Nwabufo
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