By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Senator Remi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu, on Monday joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, demanding an immediate end to violence against women in every part of the country.
This comes as 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence kicks off.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian First Lady said although the country is making remarkable progress, many women and girls, especially in rural and underserved areas, remain trapped in these cycles of violence and inequality.
Available data indicates that at least one in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
In Nigeria, gender-based violence has remained prevalent, with so many women unable to speak up for fear of discrimination especially in relation to their spouses.
Harmful practices like child marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic abuse are still prevalent. These are mostly justified to be cultural or religious norms.
The President’s wife said, “We must take collective action across all sectors of society. Reporting and timely prosecution of perpetrators, increased support for victims and survivors are vital to creating safer environments for women and girls.
“As we observe these 16 days of activism, I urge us to seize this period as a call to action for each of us to challenge harmful behaviours.
“For me, formal education for the girl child remains the key to liberating them and helping them make informed choices.
“Let us work together to ensure a safer society where everyone, regardless of gender, can live without fear of violence,” the statement read in part.
