The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) held a commemorative event in Abuja to mark the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, with speakers, partners, and survivors calling for stronger action to end abuse in all its forms.
In his remarks, the PPFN Executive Director, Dr. Okai Aku Haruna, said the organisation remains unwavering in its advocacy.
“We are very active in advocating against gender-based violence. I know gender-based violence is a critical issue in this country and we must all put our hands together. There is nothing like a halfway. We must ensure that we put a stop to this, and to put a stop to this all hands must be on deck.”
Dr. Haruna advocated the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) 2015, noting that activism and advocacy must be year-round to build a safer, more just society for women and girls.
“Until the VAPP Act is fully adopted and enforced everywhere, harmful practices will continue. This is why we must all remain committed, not just for 16 days, but every single day of the year.”
Also speaking, the Programme Officer at Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF), Opeyemi Adenikan, highlighted the lasting psychological impact of online abuse and warned of the rise in digital violence.
“Women and girls don’t feel safe anymore. Their images are put online without their consent. Even activists online are being threatened for speaking up. Online gender-based violence is a human rights violation.”
A PPFN Youth Action Movement member, Emmanuel Okosun, said young people remain central to prevention efforts.
“The highest percentage of people you find on social media are youth. Young Action Movement stands to help people understand that gender-based violence is very sensitive and we must eradicate norms that affect the mental health of girls and women.”
Nationwide Solidarity
Similarly, PPFN SGBV Desk Officer, Sadiya Yakubu, called for nationwide solidarity, pointing out that:
“Digital violence is an extension of the same patriarchal structures. Online spaces are not neutral. We must be agents of change… to build a world where every individual is respected, valued, and free to thrive without fear of violence.”
Survivor voices brought the stark reality of gender-based violence to the forefront.
Augustine Paluku, a humanitarian worker with the International Planned Parenthood Federation in Nairobi, highlighted systemic solutions.
“We have been so active to make sure that even during our humanitarian work, we are able to address issues related to rape and so on… We are making sure that even people who are immigrating from other countries have access to services that they require,” he said. He underlined the need for trained staff and accessible services for all survivors.
Frontline responder and Executive Director of DNF, Dorothy Njemanze, urged sustained support.
The event showcased survivor stories, art exhibitions, and policy advocacy, reinforcing that ending gender-based violence requires daily action, frontline support, and societal commitment.