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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
Bauchi Attacks: UNICEF, Gombe govt support displaced women, children
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Gombe State Government, on Friday supported internally displaced persons especially women and children sheltering in a camp in the state.
The displaced persons are from communities in Alkaleri Local Government Area, Bauchi State, following attacks by bandits on their villages.
The victims are currently staying in a camp located in Kashere town of Akko Local Government Area, Gombe State.
Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, said the intervention aimed to prevent disease outbreaks and improve conditions in the camp.
She expressed concern over poor sanitation and stressed the need to strengthen hygiene practices to safeguard the health of women and children.
“UNICEF is here especially to support immunisation and health services for pregnant and lactating mothers, including deliveries at a nearby facility where services are available.
“Today we distributed hygiene and dignity kits because sanitation is very poor here and hygiene must improve to prevent cholera and other diseases.
“We have given almost 600 dignity and WASH kits to be used judiciously to improve hygiene at the camp,” she said.
Rafique said vaccination had also begun for many children who had not previously received routine immunisation.
She explained that several zero-dose children at the camp were now being covered under the immunisation programme.
According to her, children who had never attended school were also being supported through plans to establish temporary learning facilities.
“So we will establish a safe learning space so these children can begin learning and continue when they return to their communities,” she said.
Rafique commended the governments of Gombe and Bauchi states for supporting displaced persons.
She also praised the host community for helping to manage the camp and maintain order among residents.
Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abdulrahman Shuaibu, said health interventions were ongoing to support displaced families.
Shuaibu said the agency had supplied free medicines to improve access to treatment for residents at the camp.
He noted that children’s health remained a priority, with several zero-dose children already vaccinated.
According to him, two children had died in the camp while two babies had been delivered since the displaced families arrived.
Shuaibu said that about 300 children had received routine immunisation as of Thursday.
He added that 33 children previously classified as zero-dose had also been vaccinated.
The state government, he said, was working with UNICEF to provide therapeutic food for malnourished children.
Chairman of the camp committee, Umar Badiko, said the displaced families arrived on Feb. 24 after attacks on their communities.
He explained they fled from Digare, Mansur, Yelo and Gwana wards in Alkaleri Local Government Area.
Badiko said children accounted for between 3,000 and 4,000 of the camp’s 7,000 residents.
He warned that the high number of children increased the risk of disease outbreaks.
According to him, UNICEF’s intervention helped prevent serious health crises in the camp.
He said poor hygiene and widespread open defecation had earlier raised fears of disease outbreaks.
Badiko lamented the shortage of sanitation facilities at the camp.
He said only 20 toilets currently served the entire population of about 7,000 displaced persons.
He appealed for urgent construction of additional toilets to discourage open defecation and improve sanitation.
Some displaced women commended the governments of Gombe and Bauchi stated, as well as UNICEF, for supporting them.
They said food supplies, medicines and medical services were being provided free at the camp.
However, some mothers with malnourished children appealed for urgent assistance to treat the condition and reverse the effects of malnutrition.
Bauchi Attacks: UNICEF, Gombe govt support displaced women, children
Police arrest three suspected kidnappers in Gombe
By: Zagazola Makama
The Gombe State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers following a tip-off from credible intelligence, sources said on Friday.
Police sources said the suspects were apprehended on March 10 at about 10:00 p.m. by operatives working in conjunction with local hunters.
The arrested suspects were identified as Mohammed Abubakar, 29; Mohammed Bello, 23; and Mohammadu Ali, 25, all residents of Galda Village, Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State.
According to the report, the suspects were planning to carry out a kidnapping in an unspecified location in Bauchi State. Upon interrogation, they allegedly confessed to the planned crime.
Police said investigations were ongoing to uncover further details and apprehend any other accomplices involved in the plot.
Police arrest three suspected kidnappers in Gombe
Youths attack and kill two army officers while responding to dispute in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Two army officers, including an intelligence officer, were reportedly killed during a violent clash between youths in a disputed crisis zone between Isabang and Alesi communities in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident followed a conflict on March 11 when Ibrahim Musa, a 25-year-old miner from Kusa, who deals in tin ore at Ekuri village, was allegedly beaten by youths at a village checkpoint and had his mined minerals seized.
The miner reportedly reported the attack to soldiers stationed at 245 Battalion, Edor Barracks, near Jenifer Etuh’s Hospital in Ochon. Troops responded by moving into the forest to arrest four youths allegedly involved in the attack.
Residents said other youths blocked the access road to prevent the arrest and attacked the soldiers. In response, they fired which resulted to the injuries of four persons, including Christopher Agara, 27, and Ogobi Egbe, 30, while two others were evacuated for native treatment.
The attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.
Additional troops have since deployed additional personnel to restore order in the area, and normalcy has reportedly returned.
Youths attack and kill two army officers while responding to dispute in Cross River
Bauchi Attacks: UNICEF, Gombe govt support displaced women, children
Police arrest three suspected kidnappers in Gombe
Youths attack and kill two army officers while responding to dispute in Cross River
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