The Federal Government has said that it will adopt a multi-sectoral approach in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made this known at a media briefing heralding the celebration of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence against women and girls, in Abuja.

She said the fight against SGBV is not just a fight for gender equality, but a battle for the soul of society as a whole.

She insisted that to reduce the spread of SGBV, a whole-society approach is needed, as clearly reflected in this year’s theme: “Towards 30 Years of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Unite to End Violence Against Women.”

The minister revealed that available statistics on gender-based violence in Nigeria remain deeply troubling, as every day in a community, a little child is violated, a woman is abused, and a young girl’s life is at risk, all for no just cause.

She added, “The fight against gender-based violence is a battle for the soul of our society, which we must win. Therefore, this 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence will be a rallying moment to unite our efforts, amplify our voices, demand action, and strengthen our resolve to end violence against women and girls.

“That historic conference started a global movement toward gender equality, and its declaration, popularly referred to as the Beijing Platform for Action, with its 12 thematic areas, still serves as the blueprint for a world free from discrimination and violence.”

She said SGBV is unacceptable and represents a gross violation of human rights, undermining the very fabric of society and preventing women and girls from achieving their full potential.

In supporting the 2024 theme, which resonates with the 1995 Beijing conference, the minister said the yearnings of Nigerian women are hinged on the remainder of its commitments, which are centred on equality, justice, and respect for fundamental human rights.

She said the government’s approach will focus on “community mobilization and education to enable us to intensify awareness campaigns to challenge harmful cultural norms, stereotypes, and practices that perpetuate violence. We will continuously engage traditional and religious leaders as community gatekeepers.”

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Gabriel Aduda, said commemorating the 2024 activities will reinforce commitments, strengthen collaboration, and empower survivors.