The Kwara State chapter of the National Coalition of Civil Society to End Child Marriage in Nigeria has called for intensified efforts to combat violence against women and girls in the state.
The call was made during the commemoration of the 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, themed “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.”
In a press statement signed by the State Focal Person, Oyedeji Olufermi, the coalition expressed concern over the continued prevalence of violence against women and girls in Nigeria despite the enactment of several protective laws, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Child Rights Act, which have been domesticated across the 36 states.
The coalition pointed out to the enduring threats posed by harmful practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and widowhood rites, which it described as deeply rooted in negative social norms and religious practices.
According to UNICEF statistics cited in the statement: 43% of girls in Nigeria are married before age 18, while 17% are married before age 15.
The statement added that 1 in 5 girls experience sexual violence before age 18 and 20% of women have undergone FGM, with 16% of girls under 15 affected.
“The National Demographic and Health Survey (2018) further revealed that 31% of Nigerian women experience sexual violence in their lifetime, while the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported that 75% of trafficked persons are women and girls”, the statement said.
These alarming statistics, the coalition noted, calls for the urgent need for continued action to protect women and girls from violence and exploitation.
The coalition commended the Kwara State Government under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq for initiatives aimed at strengthening protection systems, including: the passage of the VAPP Law, constitution of a 21-member Gender-Based Violence Committee, establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, inauguration of the Child Rights Implementation Committee ad development of a State Action Plan to eliminate FGM.
However, the group urged the government to do more by prioritizing the enforcement of the VAPP and Child Rights Laws, expanding access to education, especially for girls, providing leadership and vocational skills training for women and girls, establishing shelters to support survivors of violence, ensuring access to justice for victims and increasing funding for the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The coalition emphasized the need for a collective effort to end violence against women and girls, noting that the 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to reflect on progress and chart a path toward gender equality and empowerment by 2030.
“We hope women and girls will no longer live in fear of violence, and that society will respect and protect their dignity,” the statement read.
As the global campaign progresses, the coalition called on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, religious leaders, and community members, to join forces in creating a safer and more inclusive society for women and girls.
The statement concluded with a tribute to victims of gender-based violence and solidarity with affected families, urging Nigerians to unite in the fight against violence.