As the world marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, LEDAP issues a powerful call to the Nigerian government, urging immediate and tangible actions to invest in preventive measures against violence targeting women and girls.

Aligned with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, launching today and continuing until December 10th, Human Rights Day, LEDAP emphasizes the critical need for robust implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP).

Additionally, we strongly advocate for the establishment of gender violence prosecution departments within all Ministries of Justice and police divisions. Furthermore, LEDAP recommends the establishment of specialized courts dedicated to the swift and effective prosecution of individuals implicated in gender-based violence.

In a stark reality, 1 in 3 women experiences physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. An estimated 736 million women have faced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life. In 2021, approximately 45,000 women and girls worldwide lost their lives due to intimate partner or familial violence, highlighting the urgent need for sustained efforts to address this alarming trend.

This year’s theme, ‘UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls,’ resonates with LEDAP’s call for collective action and investment in initiatives that combat gender-based violence. This crucial day serves as a poignant reminder that violence against women persists as a global pandemic, affecting women of all ages, backgrounds, and social standings.

As part of the global effort to eliminate gender-based violence, LEDAP is committed to working collaboratively with the government, civil society, and other stakeholders during these 16 days and beyond.

Signed:

Nora Asobara

Programme Officer