By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Center for Conflicts Management and Media Development (CCMMD) has called for supports for women organisations and strengthening of feminist movements inorder to stem the tide of gender based violence.as the world commemorates the 16 days of Activism.
The organization charged stakeholders to unite in addressing gender-based violence affecting women and children by amplifying the voices of the survivors with a view to ending the menace in the society .
November 25 – December 10 is being celebrated as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women .
Mr Douglas Didam Administrative Assistant/Media Manager of the organization, in a statement underscored the significance of collaboration among humanitarian , non Governmental organisation (NGOs) , civil society organizations,(CSOs) government agencies ,faith-based organizations, and traditional institutions.
Decrying the spate of GBV in our society the organisation lamented that it was fast becoming the most pervasive human rights violation globally.
“The UN’s theme for this year’s 16 Days of Activism is “UNiTE! Activism to end violence against women and girls,” prompting a collective call to action for stakeholders to intensify efforts to eliminate violence in private, public, and conflicts.
According to the staement ,global statistics revealed that over 70percent women experience violence in their lifetime, with Nigerian women and girls facing , even more alarming reality.
“Nigeria recorded 27,698 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases between 2020 and 2023, according to data on the GBV National Dashboard.
“To address this, the organization proposes a faith-based approach, advocating for multi-religious support groups, training religious leaders and other stakeholders on gender-based violence (GBV) issues, and creating centers offering help and legal assistance.
“In the 2022 UN report on the day to end gender-based violence, citing a survey conducted by an international organization, it highlighted that more than 1 in 3 women experience gender-based violence in their lifetime, with 5 women or girls being killed by someone in their own family every hour. Less than 40% of victims seek help of any kind.
“To curb gender-based violence, they recommend increased funding, championing women’s economic empowerment, providing vocational training, ensuring women’s involvement in decision-making, engaging men in the fight against violence, and promoting advocacy.
“We urge all faith-based organizations to harness the significance of the 16 Days of Activism by actively promoting peace. Let us embark on unwavering campaigns against gender-based violence. It is essential to acknowledge that no religion advocates or supports gender-based violence” it stated .