16 Days Of Activism Ends, 365 Days Of Action Begins – By Segun Adeleke

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), is a crucial international initiative that spans from November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10th International Human Rights Day.

Aligned with this is the united nations secretary-general’s unite by 2030 initiative, which advocates global action to raise awareness and share knowledge to eradicate violence against women and girls.

Reducing The Risks

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) stands as a grave infringement of human rights, posing a life-threatening impact to health and safety.

The peril amplifies for vulnerable individuals, heightening the risks of physical, sexual, and psychological abuses like rape, sexual exploitation, trafficking, and coerced prostitution.

While anyone, irrespective of gender, may become a victim of violence based on their sex, women and girls face a high level of risk.

Shockingly, an estimated one in three women is anticipated to endure sexual or physical violence during their lifetime.

As we know it, Gender-Based Violence encompasses a broad spectrum of harm, spanning sexual, physical, mental, and economic dimensions, inflicted both publicly and privately.

It can also involve threats, coercion, and manipulation, manifesting in various forms such as intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child marriage, female genital mutilation and so-called ‘honour crimes,’ to mention a few.

Stakeholders Panaceas

The aftermath of Gender-Based Violence can be profound such that survivors can be scarred with devastating, lifelong repercussions that may even result in loss of life.

An Anti-GBV advocate, and the executive director of Media For Human Development Foundation, a grassroots foundation, Ayotomiwa Ayodele wants a complete eradication of all forms of Gender-Based Violence.

She says:

“Equipping survivors with the right information remains key to extinguish the flames of GBV.”

With focus for the 2023 edition of 16 Days of Activism being Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls, she also highlighted some of the activities and initiatives being put in place to address the root causes of GBV.

With reference to Nigeria, it’s crucial to highlight that female genital mutilation stands as a significant and alarming manifestation of Gender-Based Violence, demanding urgent attention and action.

On the sidelines of continuous stakeholders engagements, one would discover various efforts and investment that have been put to end GBV in Nigeria particularly in Ekiti State, what has been achieved so far, the key messages for the season, the challenges encountered in the attempt to phaseout harmful cultural practices rooted in Gender-Based Violence and the plans for the future.

What collaboration can be made to meet the 2030 GBV eradication goal, as experienced in the just concluded 16 Days of Activism?

An abuja-based gender advocate Lois Amele projects that activists, stakeholders and advocates must break all existing glass ceiling.

Also worthy of note is the giant strides of the Ekiti State government in curbing this social menace as far back as 2011.

According to the State Coordinator of Rapid Response on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Barr. Shirley Atane, Ekiti is the first state to establish it in Nigeria, setting an example for other states of the federation to follow as it is not just written, but enforced.

Meanwhile, at an event marking the end of the 16 Days of Activism in Ekiti, Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, warned against every form of violence, whether from the male to female or vice versa.

As we look to the future, it is crucial to advocate for policy enforcement, foster a culture of zero tolerance for Gender-Based Violence, and ensure survivors have access to quality support services.

The collective commitment to eradicating GBV must remain steadfast, paving the way for a safer, more equitable society where the rights and well-being of women and girls are prioritized and protected.

Written by Oluwasegun Adeleke

*Segun is a digital broadcast journalist, developmental health writer and Podcaster. He works with Midas 90.5FM Ado-Ekiti.