Despite years of effort to combat violence against women, new challenges have arisen with the increasing use of social media, according to Project Alert on Violence Against Women.
The organization highlighted that technology-facilitated violence like trolling, stalking, and doxing has intensified, posing threats to women’s safety both online and offline. Traditional forms of gender-based violence have also evolved, requiring immediate attention.
To mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Project Alert urged governments, religious leaders, law enforcement, and civil society to renew their commitment to addressing gender-based violence in all its manifestations.
This year’s campaign, themed “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” holds special significance for Project Alert, which was established in response to the Beijing Platform for Action’s call to address gender-based violence.
As the world reflects on progress made in combating violence against women, Project Alert reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for non-violence and challenging cultural norms perpetuating gender-based violence and discrimination.
The House of Representatives in Nigeria is leading an awareness march in Abuja to eradicate gender-based violence, with over 1,000 participants expected to join the symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Police Headquarters.
The march aims to raise awareness and demand action to protect vulnerable populations and hold perpetrators of gender-based violence accountable.
In Gombe State, the Commissioner for Health revealed that a significant number of females and males have been affected by gender-based violence between 2021 and 2024. The state has enacted laws to address this issue and prevent further occurrences.
The Governor’s wife emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to end violence against women and girls, citing alarming statistics and the global recognition of eradicating violence in the Sustainable Development Goals.