The Executive Director of Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, Bunmi Dipo-Salami, has decried what she identified as lack of political will to implement laws aimed at ending gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, as the most significant obstacle facing efforts to combat the phenomenon in Nigeria.
Speaking earlier today (Friday, December 6) at a workshop in Abuja, the FCT, themed, “Shifting the Focus: Boys as Champions of Change to End Gender-Based Violence,” Salami said there is the need for systemic changes to effectively combat GBV.
The workshop, organised in partnership with YOUPEDA and Muslims for Peace Network (MPN), brought together boys from 10 secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to sensitize them about gender-based violence and promote positive masculinity.
It was part of activities marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that runs annually from November 25 to December 10.
Salami noted that efforts to combat GBV in Nigeria often focus on empowering women, such as teaching self-defense skills and reporting mechanisms, but neglect to address the root causes of violence perpetrated by men.
“Young men are socialized into violence due to the patriarchal nature of our society, not because they were born violent,” she said, explaining that the workshop aims to “reprogramme” boys into understanding the importance of empathy, respect and the dignity of all genders.
Despite the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in 2015, which has been domesticated by many states, Salami criticized the low implementation levels.
“Governments feel they have fulfilled all righteousness by domesticating the Act, but without proper implementation, it is ineffective,” she stated, urging states performing well to be publicly acknowledged and rewarded.
In his remarks at the event, Ifeoluwa Ehindero, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, commended the initiative, stressing the critical role of boys in ending GBV.
Ehindero urged attendees to see themselves as “ambassadors of change” noting the importance of teaching values like kindness, generosity and respect from a young age.
“GBV limits the potential and confidence of victims, with devastating effects on women, girls, and society as a whole,” Ehindero said.
He highlighted the National Assembly’s ongoing efforts to address GBV through legislation, including the Human Rights Protection Bill and amendments to the Human Rights Act to enhance protections for women and girls.
Ehindero also referenced symbolic moves like the October 2024 “shadow speaker” event on International Day of the Girl Child, where Miss Isabel Anani presided over a session in the House of Representatives.
“This kind of awareness is crucial, and we are doing everything to ensure that Nigeria meets the UN target to end GBV by 2030,” he added.
