The Federal Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that over 30,000 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were officially reported to the Ministry between 2020 and 2024.

Speaking at a knowledge-enhancing session on GBV prevention and access to justice held in Abuja, the Minister — represented by Mrs. Adesuwa Ogundaye, Director of Legal Services — referenced the Ministry’s Gender-Based Violence Data Situation Room Report, which disclosed that 1 in every 3 Nigerian women has experienced some form of violence.

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• “These are not just statistics; they represent shattered lives, broken dreams, and generational trauma,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

The event was jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice and UN Women, with financial support from the Ford Foundation.

Implementation of Laws Still a Challenge

While applauding the widespread adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, in 35 states and the Child Rights Act, 2003, in all 36 states, the Minister lamented the gap between legislation and enforcement.

“In many states, the funding, enforcement, and awareness required to operationalise these laws are lacking. Survivors continue to face justice systems that are under-resourced, insensitive, or inaccessible,” she added.

She called for a nationwide sensitization campaign for full implementation, increased funding, and effective monitoring of these crucial legal frameworks. She stressed the need for capacity building among community leaders, traditional and religious institutions, law enforcement, and judicial officers.

Call for a National Social Protection Agency

Sulaiman-Ibrahim further recommended the establishment of a National Social Protection Agency to address the multidimensional needs of survivors and vulnerable groups. The agency would provide emergency shelter, psychosocial support, healthcare, legal aid, and economic empowerment, ensuring that no survivor is left behind.

Child Protection Network (CPN) Takes Campaign Against GBV and Child Abuse to Ogun Markets

In a related development, the Child Protection Network (CPN) in Ogun State has launched a grassroots campaign against gender-based violence, child abuse, and related issues across markets in the state capital.

Led by the Community Child Protection Committee, the sensitization campaign covered markets in Lafenwa, Iberekodo, Ijebu Itele, and Ijebu Imushin.

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Afolashade Odewale, a committee member, addressed market women, emphasizing the importance of creating safe and open communication channels between parents and children, especially the girl-child.

“When you scream at your daughter, she will be afraid to tell you what’s going on. She won’t speak out when she’s being touched inappropriately. Let your child be your first friend,” she said.

Break the Culture of Silence

Also speaking, Mrs. Margaret Adeleke, Deputy Coordinator of CPN, stressed the need to break the culture surrounding child abuse. She urged communities to support survivors and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

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