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The National Centre for Women Develop (NCWD) on Monday called for zero tolerance of gender-based violence and other forms of intimidation and victimization in Nigeria.
Ms Onyeka Onwenu, Director-General NCWD, made the call at the 16-day Activism against Gender-based Violence Campaign in Abuja.
She said Government, stake holders and every individual should discourage violence in its entirety.
She said physical and sexual violence and victimization against children occur at an alarming rate in the country.
“Rape in Nigeria has to be addressed; today, women, girls and even babies are violated by neighbours, friends and members of their families.
“Some men are also violated and do not feel safe in their homes because of the violence perpetrated against them by their wives.”
Onwenu called for peace which should originate from the heart of every individual, to the homes and then spread to the society.
“We cannot talk about peace in our country without talking about peace in our homes; it starts from our hearts, then the home, before it can radiate into our nation.”
The NCWD boss implored security agencies to intensify their efforts to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.
She also urged them to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes were prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs said there was need to create avenues for gender-based violence to be reported by the victims.
Tinubu said women should be encouraged to speak out and report cases of violence, intimidation and victimisation to appropriate authorities.
“Often times, gender based violence are meted out on defenceless women by their loved ones, family members, neighbours, caregivers, among others,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu pledged to work with the police, Federal Ministry of Women affairs and NCWD to handle cases of violence against women.
