By Jesusemen Oratokhai
Members of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, marched on Monday from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, calling for decisive action against gender-based violence.
The symbolic march brought together lawmakers, women’s groups, and youth organizations, amplifying demands for justice and protection for women and girls across Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker Abbas decried the alarming rates of violence against women, noting that a woman dies every ten minutes globally due to violence.
“This is unacceptable and unforgivable,” he stated. Abbas reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to tackling the crisis, pledging to spearhead the forthcoming National Action Plan Against Violence Towards Women to establish stronger protective policies.
Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, highlighted the pervasive nature of gender-based violence in society, boldly declaring, “We say no to harassment by lecturers, no to bosses threatening staff, and no to abuse of children by family members. This has to stop.”
At the Police Headquarters, Ogbara presented a petition to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, urging swift investigations and prosecution of perpetrators.
Egbetokun assured the delegation of the police force’s unwavering commitment, stating, “This is a collective responsibility, not just a task for law enforcement.”
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the need for inter-agency collaboration to combat the issue effectively, calling for a united front against gender-based violence.
The march was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, themed “Towards Beijing +30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
It served as a resounding call to action, with participants advocating for a safer and more equitable future for Nigerian women and girls.
