The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that 30% of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.
This alarming statistic was shared during a media briefing in Abuja to kick off the 2024 “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign. Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the urgent need to address this widespread issue, which she described as a societal challenge hindering national development.
She highlighted the rising rates of abuse, especially among vulnerable groups, including women in conflict zones, girls with disabilities, and young girls in rural areas. While acknowledging progress in legislative reforms, such as the domestication of the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, she stressed the importance of effective enforcement of these laws.
The ministry, in collaboration with partners, will focus on empowering girls in rural communities and enhancing survivor support through Nigeria’s 47 sexual assault referral centers. Sulaiman-Ibrahim called for a multi-sectoral approach, engaging men and boys as allies, and promoting education to challenge harmful cultural norms.
She also announced the launch of a national electronic dashboard to improve data collection and accountability in gender-based violence prevention.
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