The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for urgent action to address gender-based violence as she participated in the global observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Her message, shared Monday on X, marked the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
“Nearly one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime,” she said, emphasizing the alarming scope of the issue. She also highlighted the persistence of harmful practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation in Nigeria, often justified by cultural or religious norms.
While acknowledging the progress made in addressing these challenges, she noted that many women and girls, particularly in rural and underserved communities, continue to be trapped in cycles of violence and inequality. “Many women and girls remain trapped in these cycles of violence and inequality,” she stated, urging society to take decisive action.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, observed annually on November 25, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to raise awareness and mobilize global efforts to combat gender-based violence. The date was chosen in honor of the Mirabal sisters, political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 under the Trujillo regime. This day marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that culminates on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
In her statement, the First Lady emphasized the importance of collective action, calling for the timely prosecution of perpetrators, increased support for survivors, and the creation of safer environments. “We must take collective action across all sectors of society,” she urged.
Education, she said, is key to breaking these cycles. “Formal education for the girl child remains the key to liberating them and helping them make informed choices,” she stated, advocating for initiatives that ensure all girls have access to education across the country.
Her message was met with widespread support from stakeholders and advocacy groups. Gender rights advocate Amina Yusuf praised the First Lady’s focus on education, saying, “Her emphasis on education aligns with what we’ve seen in communities—empowered girls are better equipped to resist harmful practices.”
The First Lady concluded her message with a call to action, urging all Nigerians to challenge harmful behaviors and work toward creating a safer society for all.
