Stakeholders gathered in Abuja on Tuesday to reinforce their commitment to gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria. The event, themed High-Level Dialogue: Investment in Gender Equality and Ending Violence Against Women for Rights and Development, was organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in collaboration with UN Women and the Federal Government of Nigeria. It coincided with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Speakers at the event included AfDB Nigeria Director Abdul Kamara, UN Women Country Representative Beatrice Eyong, UN Resident Coordinator H.E. Mohammed Malick Fall, and Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria H.E. Zissimos Vegos. Each emphasized the need for stronger policies, international cooperation, and local initiatives to protect women and girls from violence.
Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, delivering the keynote address, highlighted the importance of translating commitments into concrete actions. She called for evidence-based monitoring and evaluation to ensure progress. “Strengthening policies and investing in women and girls will help close the gap on gender-based violence, which has become a global trend,” she stated.
The Mexico Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Alfredo Miranda, pledged his country’s full support in collaborating with Nigeria to combat GBV. He declared, “No more excuses for gender-based violence,” while advocating for joint campaigns and initiatives to foster development and equality for women.
Ambassador Prof. Olufolake Abdulrasaq, Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, stressed the need for deliberate actions beyond policy declarations. She cited Kwara State’s implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women in leadership roles, explaining that such measures ensure women can sustain advocacy efforts and drive meaningful change.
Representing the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Permanent Secretary Emeka Vitalis Obi reiterated the ministry’s commitment to gender-responsive budgeting. He stated that this approach promotes transparency and helps address disparities against women, marking a critical step toward creating an inclusive society. The dialogue underscored the importance of collaboration and action in achieving gender equality and eradicating violence.
