Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed strong opposition to gender-based violence, applauding the launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign as a significant and timely initiative.
Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that providing formal education to the girl child remains crucial in empowering them to make informed decisions and break free from societal limitations.
November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a day dedicated to raising awareness about this global issue.
In a statement, the First Lady noted that gender-based violence is one of the most pervasive human rights violations, with nearly one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence during their lives.
She highlighted that in Nigeria, harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation persist, often under the guise of cultural or religious traditions.
“While significant progress has been made, many women and girls, particularly in rural and underserved areas, remain trapped in cycles of violence and inequality,” Mrs. Tinubu remarked.
She urged collective action across all sectors to address these issues, stressing the importance of reporting cases, timely prosecution of offenders, and increased support for victims to create safer environments for women and girls.
“As we observe these 16 days of activism, I encourage everyone to use this period as a call to action to challenge harmful behaviors,” she said.
“For me, educating the girl child is key to their liberation and their ability to make informed choices. Together, let us work towards a safer society where all individuals, regardless of gender, can live free from violence.”