Oluremi Tinubu Joins 16-Day Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

Reported by Ayooluwa Afolabi

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called for urgent action to combat gender-based violence as she joined the global observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

In her message, shared Monday on X, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the First Lady emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing gender-based violence.

She highlighted the global and national prevalence of such violence, which affects nearly one in three women worldwide and persists in various forms across Nigeria.

“Nearly one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual violence in their lifetime,” she said, highlighting the alarming scale of the issue.

She 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.

While 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.

“Many women and girls remain trapped in these cycles of violence and inequality,” she said, urging society to take decisive action.

According to PUNCH Online 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 of gender-based violence and mobilize global efforts to combat it.

The date was chosen in honor of the Mirabal sisters, political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally assassinated 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.

The First Lady outlined the need for a multi-sectoral approach to tackling the issue. She described collective action as crucial, stressing the importance of reporting and the timely prosecution of perpetrators, increased support for survivors, and creating safer environments.

“We must take collective action across all sectors of society,” she urged.

She also identified formal education for girls as a powerful tool for empowerment, enabling them to make informed choices and break free from cycles of abuse.

“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 access to education for girls across the country.

She urged Nigerians to dedicate the 16-day campaign to advancing efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and foster a safer society where individuals, regardless of gender, can live free from fear.

Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for women’s rights and encouraged collective action to address this pressing issue.

“Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence”, she said.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which began on November 25, will run until December 10, Human Rights Day, featuring global and national activities aimed at raising awareness and inspiring change.