The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has reaffirmed the sacred value and dignity of every woman and girl, pledging the nation’s commitment to ending all forms of gender-based violence.
The statement was made during a special church service held by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development at Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC) in Kubwa, Abuja, to mark the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
This year’s campaign carries the theme, “UNITE Against Technology-Facilitated GBV.”
Referencing Genesis 1:27, Isaiah 46:3–4 and Psalm 91:4, she explained that; “Every woman and girl bears the image of God… This divine imprint demands their protection from all harm.”
Represented by the Director of Women Development and Empowerment, Mrs Blessing Anunike, the Minister outlined ongoing national efforts to eliminate GBV, including specialised gender courts, the VAPP Act, safe spaces, emergency care, and a National GBV Emergency Response Fund.
Highlighting digital empowerment initiatives to curb online abuse, the Minister said; “these measures responded to “pervasive challenges, from physical and emotional violence affecting over 28% of women aged 15–49 to rising technology-facilitated abuse.”
While noting that progress had been made, she emphasised that “true transformation demands collective action rooted in Christian values of justice, compassion, and love.”
Earlier, the President of the Catholic Women Organisation, Archdiocese of Abuja, Nneoma Ebele Okoye, described the commemoration as a collective call to action.
She said, “Today’s commemoration is not just for me, it’s for all of us. It’s so that when the bell is rung, the women’s song is brought to the picture.”
Okoye urged unity in tackling digital abuse, stating, “We have gathered and what is our task?… united to end digital violence against women and girls. When we are together as women, when we are together as girls, daughters, and as brothers, we see there will never be a cause. There will never be a cause. Thus, there will be an end to violence…”
She stressed that ending GBV required collective responsibility, saying, “It is not what one can do alone… We must come together as one and stand firm as a voice for the end of this, so that women can come out, and when they speak, people will listen.”
Similarly, the Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, Dr Abiodun Eshiet, in her goodwill remarks, applauded the significance of the commemoration.
She said, “It’s an important day for us to remind ourselves that women are great people… Women are developers.”
Eshiet noted the alarming prevalence of violence, stating, “When we have 10 women, at least three of them aged 18 and above have experienced violence.”
She commended the Minister for hosting the commemoration in a church setting and reaffirmed the support of the Presidency, saying; “We are committed to helping and promoting gender justice and also gender justice in other areas of our affairs.”
Erstwhile Acting President of the Naval Officers Wives Association, Dr Zainab Akpan, also underscored the national imperative of protecting women.
She said, “It’s only worth it to support the safety and the sanity of our women… If you support a woman, you are actually supporting your nation.”
The commemoration service featured a thanksgiving procession and the presentation of awards to outstanding women for their services to nation-building and humanity.
The 16 Days of Activism is commemorated globally from November 25th to December 10th annually.
PIAK