Despite decades of efforts to combat violence against women, new threats have emerged, particularly online, according to Project Alert on Violence Against Women. The group highlighted the rise of technology-facilitated violence, including trolling, stalking, and doxing, which threaten women’s safety both online and offline.
As the c16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins today, November 25, 2024, Project Alert called for stronger commitments from governments, religious leaders, law enforcement, and civil society to tackle all forms of gender-based violence (GBV). This year’s theme, “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” marks 25 years of Project Alert’s advocacy since its founding in response to the Beijing Platform for Action.
The campaign also coincides with a House of Representatives awareness march in Abuja. Over 1,000 participants, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, will march to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to demand stricter action against GBV and accountability for perpetrators.
In Gombe State, alarming statistics were revealed. From 2021 to 2024, 388 women and 144 men have suffered GBV, according to the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru. Efforts to address the crisis include the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and Child Protection laws.
The wife of the Gombe State Governor, Asma’u Yahaya, emphasized the urgency of ending GBV, citing that 59.3% of women in the state have experienced physical violence since age 15. She called for partnerships to advance the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Project Alert reaffirmed its commitment to challenging harmful norms and promoting non-violence, urging collective action to create a safer and more equitable society for all.
