By Cecilia Ogezi
The National President of the Al-Mushahid Initiative for Transparency and Accountability (AITA), Amb. Aminu Majidadi, has called for a concerted effort to end all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) as the world commemorates the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The global campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 10, aims to eliminate violence against women and uphold their fundamental human rights.
In a statement issued on November 25, Amb. Majidadi underscored the campaign’s importance in spotlighting the pervasive nature of GBV, which manifests in various forms, including intimate partner violence, child marriage, workplace harassment, and digital abuse. He emphasized that the campaign offers a unique opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to galvanize action and amplify efforts to combat these injustices.
“Gender-based violence is not just a personal tragedy; it is a societal failure that perpetuates inequality, suppresses development, and undermines human dignity. The 16 Days of Activism provide a platform to rally stakeholders toward concrete solutions that address the root causes of violence and support survivors,” he stated.
Amb. Majidadi highlighted the need for targeted interventions, including robust policies, strengthened legal frameworks, and public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms and attitudes. He also stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for women in workplaces, homes, and digital platforms, noting the increasing prevalence of online harassment and abuse.
“All hands must be on deck. Governments, civil society, private organizations, and individuals must join forces to close the gaps that enable the persistence of GBV. A unified approach is the only way to achieve sustainable change,” he added.
The AITA President also called for increased support for survivors through accessible healthcare, counseling services, and economic empowerment initiatives. He reaffirmed AITA’s commitment to advocating for policies that protect the rights of women and girls, while holding perpetrators accountable.
As the 16 Days of Activism continues until December 10, Amb. Majidadi urged all Nigerians to use the period as an opportunity to reflect on the role they can play in ending GBV and building a society that upholds justice, equality, and human dignity for all.
The campaign’s conclusion on International Human Rights Day underscores the inextricable link between ending gender-based violence and achieving universal human rights, a vision that Amb. Majidadi believes is attainable through sustained advocacy and collaborative action.
