Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for urgent action to combat gender-based violence as the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. In a message shared on Monday, she highlighted the alarming scale of the issue, citing that nearly one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime ¹.
Tinubu also pointed to the persistence of harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation in Nigeria, which are often justified by cultural or religious norms. Despite acknowledging progress in tackling these issues, she emphasized that many women and girls, particularly in rural and underserved communities, remain trapped in cycles of violence and inequality.
The First Lady stressed the importance of collective action, timely prosecution of perpetrators, increased support for survivors, and creating safer environments. She also highlighted education as a vital tool in breaking these cycles, advocating for initiatives that ensure access to education for girls across the country.
Tinubu’s message resonated widely among stakeholders and advocacy groups, with gender rights advocate Amina Yusuf praising her commitment to education. Others, like Chidi Nwosu, a legal expert, echoed her call for accountability.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which begins on November 25 and culminates on December 10, International Human Rights Day, aims to raise awareness and mobilize global efforts to combat gender-based violence.
