Press Statement by Coalition on Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter in Commemoration of 16 days of activism
As the world commemorates the 2024 16 Days of Activism with the theme “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls,” the Coalition on Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria, Kwara State Chapter, joins the global community in amplifying its voice against all forms of violence against women and girls in Nigeria, particularly in Kwara State.
It is worrisome and pathetic that despite rigorous campaigns and the enactment of laws prohibiting violence against women and girls, by the Federal Government, including the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, Child Rights Act, and NAPTIP Act, and the domestication of same by the 36 States Government, violence persists. Today, women and girls live in fear of violence not only from individuals but also from societal violence rooted in negative social norms and religious practices, such as forced marriage, child marriage, female genital mutilation, and widowhood rites.
These practices have devastating impacts on millions of women and girls in Nigeria, preventing them from realizing their potentials and dreams. Many have suffered physical, sexual, and emotional violence, leading to mental health and psychological trauma, with no access to justice and protection services.
According to UNICEF:
– 43% of girls in Nigeria are married before age 18.
– 17% are married before age 15.
– 1 in 5 girls experience sexual violence before age 18.
– 20% of women have undergone female genital mutilation.
– 16% of girls under 15 have undergone FGM.
The National Demographic and Health Survey (2018) revealed that:
– 31% of women in Nigeria experience sexual violence in their lifetime.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons reported that:
– 75% of trafficked persons in Nigeria are women and girls.
The above statistics reflect the stark realities of women and Girls in Nigeria. We however, commend the efforts of Kwara State Government under His Excellency Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq towards strengthening the state protection systems for Women and Girls through the passage of Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, the constitution of 21 Man Committee on Gender Based Violence, the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, the inauguration of Child Rights Implementation Committee (CRIC), and the development of State Action Plan for the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation among many other efforts. As we commemorate the 16 days of Activism, the coalition calls on the Kwara State Government to:
1. Prioritize implementation and enforcement of VAPP and the Child Rights Laws
2. Provide access to education for all, particularly girl-child education.
3. Support women and girls with leadership and vocational skills.
4. Establish adequate shelters for survivors’ recovery.
5. Ensure access to justice.
6. Increase budgetary allocation for the State Ministry of Women Affairs
The 16 Days of Activism provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made in fighting gender-based violence as we strive for gender equality and empowerment by 2030. We hope women and girls will no longer live in fear of violence and that society will respect and protect their dignity.
Nigerian women and girls have the right to dream, pursue their dreams, and aspirations without fear of violence. We mourn those lost to gender-based violence and stand with families affected.
Happy International 16 Days of Activism to all Nigerian women and girls.
Join us to end violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
Signed
Oyedeji Olufermi
State Focal Person
Coalition of Civil Society to End Child Marriage,
Kwara State
