By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Zone D, has tasked state governments in the North Central as well as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to prioritise establishment of dedicated funding for Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention and survivor services, especially shelters and psychosocial support.
The call was made, Monday, as the global community commemorate the commencement of the 16-day activitism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAW).
A press statement by the Zonal Secretary, Juliana Ose Ofoku, quoted the Vice President, Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche, as stating that violence against women and girls affects one in three women and should be treated as a human rights emergency.
She noted that as women journalists, “we carry the responsibility of giving voice to survivors, challenging harmful narratives, and ensuring sustained media spotlight on these violations.”
The statement also noted that insecurity, economic hardship, harmful cultural practices, and weak enforcement continue to expose women and girls to multiple forms of abuse.
Ogbeche tasked the government on full enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act across all North Central states and the FCT.
The vice president bemoaned the fact that despite increased awareness and a growing legal framework, violence against women and girls remains widespread, under-reported, and often minimised.
She made a case for the establishment and strengthening of GBV desks in police, educational and health institutions.
On the 2025 global theme: ‘UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls’, she noted that there was no excuse for digital abuse which is often extension of offline abuse by taking advantage of digital technologies as tools of control and coercion.
The vice president stressed that digital technologies should empower women and girls, hence, everyone should join hands and create safer online spaces where women’s voices are respected, protected, and heard.
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