Zamfara State Governor’s wife, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has flagged off the 2025 16 Days of Activism on gender-based violence (GBV), dedicating her efforts to the fight against violence towards women in the State.

The Guardian reports that the 16 Days of Activism on gender-based violence is an annual global commemoration that specifically advocates against violence against women.

The commemoration was organised by the office of the Zamfara State First Lady in collaboration with the State Ministry for Women, Children and Social Development Affairs.

Speaking, the First Lady described gender-based violence as a factor that remains a profound threat to social well-being and development, saying that there is a need for a movement to call for unity, action and accountability.

“Our priorities this year are to strengthen the enforcement of laws that protect survivors, supporting access to justice for victims of online and offline abuse,” she said.

She called for collaboration with security agencies to protect communities, expand safe spaces, provide psychosocial support and counselling, promote digital safety and responsible online behaviour, and encourage cybercrime reporting, as well as end stigma, silence, and harmful cultural practices.

The First Lady noted that this year’s theme is a powerful reminder that “Digital violence is real violence.
“This fight is for everyone, government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, law enforcement, educators, NGOs, journalists, market women and youth groups.”

She called on youths, as a generation of the digital age, to use their voices to build, not to tear down.
“Use technology for innovation, not intimidation. Respect is your responsibility online and offline,” she said.

In other news, the Zamfara State Commissioner, Ministry of Women, Children and Social Development Affairs, Dr. Aisha MZ Anka, has commended the state’s First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, for her unwavering commitment and support toward ensuring the protection of women, girls, and children from all forms of inhuman treatment and violence in the state.

The commissioner made this remark after flagging this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the State.

Dr. Anka reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Office of the First Lady to end all forms of violence against women, children, and other vulnerable groups, both offline and online.

“We have resolved many GBV-related cases through strong collaboration with the Office of the First Lady and independent partners who continually support the state in serving humanity,” she stated.

The commissioner added that the present administration is actively collaborating with non-governmental organisations that are strongly committed to making Zamfara State better, unlike previous administrations.

She also commended the Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Dauda Lawal, for providing the ministry with the necessary support to function effectively.

Furthermore, she acknowledged the dedication of the First Lady, who has consistently demonstrated strong political will in the fight against gender-based violence in the State.

Dr. Anka further stated that the ministry will continue to conduct door-to-door sensitisation campaigns against all forms of maltreatment related to GBV, particularly targeting women and children.

“We will also feature on various media programmes to ensure we achieve our desired objectives,” she said.

The commissioner encouraged residents not to conceal any cases of gender-based violence and urged parents to monitor their children closely.