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No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
By: Michael Mike
No cultural practice, tradition, economic, or social pressure can justify the suffering endured by millions of women and girls. Our role is to challenge these harmful narratives.
Gender inequality and violence against women remain among the greatest challenges to sustainable development, not just in Nigeria but globally. According to UN Women, globally, an estimated 736 million women, almost one in three have been subjected to physical and, or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life, which represents 30 per cent of women aged 15 and older. This figure does not include sexual harassment.
Violence against women and girls is a violation of human rights. It undermines the principles of equality, dignity, and respect. This violence takes many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, and economic; and occurs in every part of the world, including Nigeria. From intimate partner violence to harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, trafficking, exploitation, sexual harassment, and assault, the pervasive nature of gender-based violence reflects deep-rooted societal inequalities.
Reports have also established that women who have experienced violence are more likely to suffer from depression, and anxiety disorders with long-lasting dire consequences. The United Nations further captured the situation of gender-based violence globally: “For at least 51,100 women in 2023, the cycle of gender-based violence ended with one final and brutal act—their murder by partners and family members. That means a woman was killed every 10 minutes.”
In Nigeria, violence and harmful practices against women and girls happen every day, and most of the time they are not reported. The Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey in 2018 found that 9 percent of women aged 15 to 49 had suffered sexual assault at least once in their lifetime and 31% had experienced physical violence. Restrictions and implications from the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the gender-based violence (GBV) in the nation.
One of the global initiatives that consistently puts a spotlight on the issue of gender-based violence is the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence which starts on 25 November, the International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women and ends on 10 December, the Human Rights Day. This period serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness, mobilize action, and demand an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.
During these 16 Days of Activism, let us not only reflect on the stories of pain but also celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of women and girls in Nigeria and the rest of the world. Let us honor their voices and commit to a future free from violence. It is a time to reflect on our progress and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead.
“No Excuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women” is this year’s theme, and according to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, it means standing with activists around the world who are calling for change and supporting survivors of violence. It is a powerful call to action. It asserts our collective responsibility to ensure that no woman, or girl is subjected to violence in their homes, communities, or workplaces. Violence in any form is never justified, acceptable, or excusable.
It is critical that we unite in our efforts to eliminate violence in all its forms. We must collaborate with governments, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector, to address the root causes of violence. We need to confront the harmful attitudes, stereotypes, and discriminatory norms that perpetuate a culture of violence. It is essential to break the silence and ensure that survivors receive the support and protection they need to rebuild their lives.
There is no excuse for violence against women. No cultural practice, tradition, economic, or social pressure can justify the suffering endured by millions of women and girls. Our role is to challenge these harmful narratives. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every woman and girl can live free from fear of violence and discrimination. We must create safer environments where women and girls can access education, work, health services, and lead fulfilling lives without fear.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, I stand with the global community in declaring an urgent truth: There is no excuse for violence against women and girls. This is not a matter for debate; it is a call to immediate action. The United Nations in Nigeria stands firmly against violence in all its forms. We are resolute in our commitment to supporting the Nigerian government and all stakeholders to end gender-based violence.
Our work in Nigeria focuses on strengthening legal frameworks, improving access to justice, and creating awareness to change mindsets and behaviours.
But we cannot do this alone. We need support from everyone: community leaders, religious institutions, educators, and individuals. It is vital to engage men and boys as partners in this fight, encouraging them to speak out against violence, challenge harmful gender norms, and foster respect and equality in their homes and communities.
We must also ensure that survivors of violence have access to the services and resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. This includes healthcare, legal aid, and counseling services. It is essential to create spaces where survivors can share their stories without fear of retaliation and where their dignity is preserved.
Together, we can unlock the full potential of every Nigerian and build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality.
There is no excuse for violence against women. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can create a world free from violence and discrimination. A world where women can live with diginity and respect.
Mohammed M. Fall, is the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria. He writes from Abuja.
No Excuse for Violence Against Women – Mohamed M. Fall
Report in best interest of children, stakeholders urge journalists
Stakeholders in child rights protection have urged journalists to adhere to strict ethical guidelines that prioritise children’s safety, dignity, and welfare over the urgency of a story.
They made the call on Tuesday in Gombe during a two-day training on ethical journalism and child rights reporting for journalists in the North-East.
They called on journalists to avoid reports that harm or stigmatise children while covering related issues.
The training was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund.
Mr Nansel Nimyel, a facilitator, said the training aimed not only to amplify children’s issues but ensure responsible and ethical coverage.
Nimyel said reporting on children must always prioritise their best interests and safeguard their dignity and welfare.
He noted that children and adolescents deserved adequate media attention in spite of limited coverage of their issues.
He urged journalists to move beyond reporting by considering how stories are framed and the potential consequences of exposure.
He said: “A central concern in ethical reporting is avoiding further harm to children.
“Many featured children are already vulnerable due to trauma from conflict, abuse, or social challenges such as bullying.
“In such contexts, insensitive reporting can worsen suffering, causing re-traumatisation, stigma, or long-term psychological harm.
“The journalist’s role extends beyond information dissemination to protecting the child’s dignity and welfare.”
Another facilitator, Dr Jide Johnson, stressed balancing public interest with child protection in all reports involving children.
Johnson urged journalists to act responsibly in ways that protect children’s dignity and future.
Sussan Akila, a Communication Specialist with the United Nations Children’s Fund, urged prioritising children’s safety, well-being and development in reports.
Akila said journalists’ reports could either make survivors feel safe or expose them to further harm.
“It starts with the footage we capture of survivors within our communities affected by conflict.
“It also includes the photographs and headlines we use; they can either support or harm those affected,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at least 60 journalists participated in the training.
Report in best interest of children, stakeholders urge journalists
Outrage as ActionAid Raises Alarm Over School Bullying, Child Protection Failures
By: Michael Mike
Fresh concerns over the safety of schoolchildren in Nigeria have emerged following allegations of violence and bullying at Igbinedion Education Centre, prompting strong condemnation from ActionAid Nigeria, which warned of a deepening crisis in the country’s child protection system.
The organisation described the incident as a serious breach of children’s rights, saying it exposes widespread institutional weaknesses that allow abuse to persist within school environments.
Speaking in Abuja, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said the case reflects more than isolated misconduct, pointing instead to systemic failures in monitoring, reporting, and accountability across the education sector.
He stressed that every child is entitled to protection from violence, in line with provisions of the Child Rights Act, warning that when abuse goes undetected or unresolved, it signals a breakdown in the duty of care expected from schools and relevant authorities.
According to him, the incident highlights the inability of existing safeguarding systems to identify early warning signs or prevent escalation, raising questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms in schools.
ActionAid noted that the situation at the school is only a reflection of a broader, largely hidden problem of bullying and school-related gender-based violence across Nigeria. It said many cases remain unreported due to fear, stigma, and the absence of trusted channels for victims to seek help.
The organisation also expressed concern over the circulation of videos linked to the incident, reportedly shared by students, describing it as evidence of failing internal reporting systems and a growing reliance on social media as a last resort for exposing abuse.
It criticised what it called a reactive approach to child protection, where authorities often respond only after incidents gain public attention, rather than through proactive monitoring and enforcement.
Calling for urgent reforms, ActionAid urged the Federal Ministry of Education and other regulatory bodies, including the Universal Basic Education Commission and the National Human Rights Commission, to strengthen implementation of safeguarding policies and establish effective reporting and tracking systems across schools.
The group also called on schools to introduce confidential reporting mechanisms, enforce strict disciplinary measures, and provide continuous training for staff on child protection, conflict management, and trauma-informed care.
Law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, were urged to ensure thorough investigation and prosecution of offenders, while parents were encouraged to support their children in speaking out against abuse.
ActionAid warned that unless urgent and coordinated steps are taken, cases of school-based violence could continue to escalate, putting the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian children at serious risk.
Outrage as ActionAid Raises Alarm Over School Bullying, Child Protection Failures
Plateau police arrest suspected bandit informant in Dengi-Kanam
By: Zagazola Makama
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested a suspected informant believed to have aided bandits responsible for a deadly ambush that killed three officers and eight soldiers of Operation Enduring Peace along Wanka Village in Kyaram District, Dengi-Kanam Local Government Area.
Police sources identified the suspect as Hashimu Adamu, the village head of Wanka Village. He is alleged to have provided intelligence to the bandits who terrorised the area.
The command said the suspect is currently undergoing interrogation, while investigations continue to apprehend the perpetrators of the ambush. Concerted efforts by security agencies remain ongoing to ensure the arrest of all involved in the attack.
Further updates on the investigation will be communicated, the police said.
Plateau police arrest suspected bandit informant in Dengi-Kanam
Report in best interest of children, stakeholders urge journalists
FG Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr
Outrage as ActionAid Raises Alarm Over School Bullying, Child Protection Failures
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