Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen has called for the need to amplify the voices of survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) to ensure they get access to justice and ensure prosecution of perpetrators.
She made the call in Abuja at a Children Interactive Forum to commemorate this year’s 16 days of activism on ending violence against women.
According to the Minister, the 16 days of activism were used as a strategy by individuals, institutions, and organizations around the world to call for action towards the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls as well as amplify the voices of survivors.
She added that this year’s theme which is “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women now!” focused on ending gender-based violence, adopting comprehensive strategies to address the root causes, change harmful practices and social norms, and empower women and girls.
“Girls are vulnerable to child marriage, female genital mutilation and other forms of abuse and maltreatment, there is the urgent need for stakeholders to prioritize ending child marriage and promote Girl Child Education.” The Minister said.
Dame Pauline Tallen noted the negative effects of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence to ensure they get access to justice and ensure prosecution of perpetrators.
In another development, the Minister also used the occasion to bid farewell to the former United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Edward Kallon, for his services during his tenure and immeasurable support for women and children in the country.
Responding, Mr. Edward Kallon, who appreciated the support received in Nigeria, called on the government to ensure the full implementation of policies and laws protecting the rights of women and children.
The UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Comfort Lamptey, also stressed the need to end violence and harmful traditional practices endangering the lives of women and children and expressed appreciation to Mr. Edward Kallon for his commitment.
RN